Absorbent insert with positioning notch

ABSTRACT

A discrete absorbent insert includes a first sheet, a second sheet in facing relation with the first sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet. The absorbent core defines a core perimeter which includes a first absorbent core positioning notch. The first sheet and the second sheet extend beyond the core perimeter and are joined together to form a perimeter seal. The perimeter seal defines an absorbent insert perimeter which includes a first absorbent insert positioning notch. The first absorbent core positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm, the first absorbent insert positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm, and the first absorbent insert positioning notch is aligned with the first absorbent core positioning notch.

REFERENCE TO PRIOR-FILED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.13/548,012, entitled CONTAINMENT SYSTEM, and filed Jul. 12, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While disposable absorbent garments offer a convenient way to managebedwetting, many enuretic families are not satisfied with these productsbecause they are viewed as “diaper-like” by the user who wants to wearconventional underwear. As such, many improvements have been made todisposable absorbent garments to make them more underwear-like. Forexample, gender specific graphics have been added and softer nonwovenmaterials have been utilized. However, many potential users still seek aproduct that looks and feels more like conventional underwear but isstill able to help manage bedwetting. Thus, there remains a need for apant that is underwear-like yet helps to contain urine insults.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a discrete absorbentinsert having a first sheet, a second sheet in facing relation with thefirst sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the first sheetand the second sheet. The absorbent core defines a core perimeter whichincludes a first absorbent core positioning notch. The first sheet andthe second sheet extend beyond the core perimeter and are joinedtogether to form a perimeter seal. The perimeter seal defines anabsorbent insert perimeter which includes a first absorbent insertpositioning notch. The first absorbent core positioning notch has adepth of 30 to 60 mm,

the first absorbent insert positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm,and the first absorbent insert positioning notch is aligned with thefirst absorbent core positioning notch.

In some embodiments, the first absorbent insert positioning notch depthis 75 to 100% the first absorbent core positioning notch depth. In someembodiments, the first absorbent core positioning notch has a mid-pointwidth of 10 to 25 mm and the first absorbent insert positioning notchhas a mid-point width of 1 to 15 mm.

In some embodiments, the first sheet and the second sheet extend auniform amount beyond the entire core perimeter and the perimeter sealhas a uniform width around the entire absorbent core perimeter. In someembodiments, the perimeter seal has a greater width within the absorbentcore positioning notch as compared to the remainder of the absorbentcore perimeter.

In some embodiments, the absorbent core further includes at least 40%superabsorbent, an intake layer positioned between the first sheet andthe absorbent core and having a basis weight of at least 85 gsm, and anabsorbent capacity of at least 600 g.

In some embodiments, the first sheet and the second sheet are fluidpermeable. In some embodiments, the discrete absorbent insert is devoidof a fluid-impervious layer.

In various embodiments, the absorbent core also defines a longitudinaldirection, a first end section, a second end section, and a centralsection. The central section is positioned between the first end sectionand the second end section. The first end section defines a maximumwidth of at least 135 mm, the central section defines a maximum width ofless than 90 mm, and the second end section defines a maximum width ofat least 135 mm.

In various embodiments, the absorbent core also defines an absorbentcore length, as measured in the longitudinal direction, of 340 to 450mm.

In some embodiments, the first absorbent core positioning notch islocated in the first end section and the core perimeter includes asecond absorbent core positioning notch located in the second endsection. The second absorbent core positioning notch has a depth of 30to 60 mm, the second absorbent insert positioning notch has a depth of30 to 60 mm, and the second absorbent insert positioning notch isaligned with the second absorbent core positioning notch.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a discrete absorbentinsert having a first sheet, a second sheet in facing relation with thefirst sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the first sheetand the second sheet. The absorbent core defines a core perimeter whichincludes a first absorbent core positioning notch, at least 40%superabsorbent, and an absorbent capacity of at least 600 g. Theabsorbent insert also includes an intake layer positioned between thefirst sheet and the absorbent core and having a basis weight of at least85 gsm. The first sheet and the second sheet extend beyond the coreperimeter and are joined together to form a perimeter seal which definesan absorbent insert perimeter which includes a first absorbent insertpositioning notch. The first absorbent core positioning notch has adepth of 30 to 60 mm, the first absorbent insert positioning notch has adepth that is 75 to 100% of the first absorbent core positioning notchdepth, and the first absorbent insert positioning notch is aligned withthe first absorbent core positioning notch.

In various embodiments, the first absorbent core positioning notch islocated in the first end section and the core perimeter includes asecond absorbent core positioning notch located in the second endsection. The first absorbent insert positioning notch is located in thefirst end section and the absorbent insert perimeter includes a secondabsorbent insert positioning notch located in the second end section.The second absorbent core positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm,the second absorbent insert positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60mm, and the second absorbent insert positioning notch is aligned withthe second absorbent core positioning notch.

In some embodiments, the first absorbent insert positioning notch is aclosed notch and comprises a line of weakness. In some embodiments, thefirst absorbent core positioning notch has a midpoint width of 10 to 25mm and is aligned with the first absorbent insert positioning notch. Invarious embodiments, the first sheet and the second sheet extend auniform amount beyond the entire core perimeter and the perimeter sealhas a uniform width around the entire absorbent core perimeter. In someembodiments, the first absorbent core positioning notch and the secondabsorbent core positioning notch have a midpoint width of 10 to 25 mmand are centered in a transverse direction.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a discrete absorbentinsert having a fluid permeable first sheet, a fluid permeable secondsheet in facing relation with the first sheet, and an absorbent corepositioned between the first sheet and the second sheet. The absorbentcore defines a longitudinal direction, a first end section, a second endsection, and a central section. The central section is positionedbetween the first end section and the second end section. The absorbentcore also defines a core perimeter which includes a first absorbent corepositioning notch located in the first end section, a second absorbentcore positioning notch located in the second end section, at least 40%superabsorbent, and an absorbent capacity of at least 600 g. Theabsorbent insert also includes an intake layer positioned between thefirst sheet and the absorbent core and having a basis weight of at least85 gsm. The first sheet and the second sheet extend beyond the coreperimeter and are joined together to form a perimeter seal which definesan absorbent insert perimeter which includes a first absorbent insertpositioning notch and a second absorbent insert positioning notch. Thefirst absorbent core positioning notch and the second absorbent corepositioning notch have a depth of 30 to 60 mm and a mid-point width of10 to 25 mm. The first absorbent insert positioning notch and the secondabsorbent insert positioning notch have a depth that is 75 to 100% thefirst absorbent core positioning notch depth and the second absorbentcore positioning notch depth respectively. The first absorbent insertpositioning notch is aligned with the first absorbent core positioningnotch and the second absorbent insert positioning notch is aligned withthe second absorbent core positioning notch. The discrete absorbentinsert is devoid of a fluid-impervious layer.

In various embodiments, the first end section defines a maximum width ofat least 135 mm, the central section defines a maximum width of lessthan 90 mm, the second end section defines a maximum width of at least135 mm, and the absorbent core also defines an absorbent core length of340 to 450 mm as measured in the longitudinal direction.

In some embodiments, the first sheet and the second sheet extend auniform amount beyond the entire core perimeter and the perimeter sealhas a uniform width around the entire absorbent core perimeter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary containment pant of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 representatively illustrate a side perspective view of thecontainment pant of FIG. 1 with the chassis partially severed toillustrate internal structure.

FIGS. 4 and 5 representatively illustrate a top plan view of thecomponent pieces of the outer shell of the containment pant of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anotherexemplary containment pant of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 and 8 representatively illustrate a side perspective view of thecontainment pant of FIG. 6 with the chassis partially severed toillustrate internal structure.

FIGS. 9 and 10 representatively illustrate a top plan view of thecomponent pieces of the outer shell of the containment pant of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 representatively illustrates a top plan view of component partsof a first exemplary pouch and sling of the present invention.

FIG. 12 representatively illustrates a fully constructed pouch made fromthe component parts of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 representatively illustrates a fully constructed sling made fromthe component parts of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of the slingof FIG. 13 taken along the line A-A.

FIGS. 15 and 16 representatively illustrate side perspective views ofthe fully constructed sling of FIG. 13 incorporated in a chassis that ispartially severed to illustrate internal structure.

FIG. 17 representatively illustrates a top plan view of component partsof a second exemplary pouch and sling of the present invention.

FIG. 18 representatively illustrates a fully constructed pouch made fromthe component parts of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 representatively illustrates a fully constructed sling made fromthe component parts of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of the slingof FIG. 19 taken along the line B-B.

FIGS. 21 and 22 representatively illustrate side perspective views ofthe fully constructed sling of FIG. 19 incorporated in a chassis that ispartially severed to illustrate internal structure.

FIG. 23 representatively illustrates a top plan view of component partsof a third exemplary pouch and sling of the present invention.

FIG. 24 representatively illustrates a fully constructed pouch made fromthe component parts of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 representatively illustrates a fully constructed sling made fromthe component parts of FIG. 23.

FIGS. 26 and 27 representatively illustrate side perspective views ofthe fully constructed sling of FIG. 25 incorporated in a chassis that ispartially severed to illustrate internal structure.

FIG. 28 representatively illustrates a top plan view of component partsof another exemplary pouch and sling of the present invention.

FIG. 29 representatively illustrates a fully constructed pouch made fromthe component parts of FIG. 28.

FIGS. 30 and 31 representatively illustrate side perspective views ofthe fully constructed pouch of FIG. 29 incorporated in a chassis that ispartially severed to illustrate internal structure.

FIG. 32 representatively illustrates an exemplary test apparatus with atest pant loaded in a first configuration.

FIG. 33 representatively illustrates an exemplary test apparatus with atest pant loaded in a second configuration.

FIG. 34 representatively illustrates an exemplary test apparatus with atest pant loaded in a third configuration.

FIG. 35 representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryabsorbent insert of the present invention with portions cut away toillustrate underlying structure.

FIG. 36 representatively illustrates a cross sectional view of theabsorbent insert of FIG. 35 taken along the line C-C.

FIG. 37 representatively illustrates a top plan view of the absorbentcore of FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 representatively illustrates a top plan view of anotherexemplary absorbent insert of the present invention with portions cutaway to illustrate underlying structure.

FIG. 39 representatively illustrates a cross sectional view of theabsorbent insert of FIG. 38 taken along the line D-D.

FIGS. 40-45 graphically represent the data of Tables 7, 8, and 9.

FIG. 46 representatively illustrates an exemplary pouch having a firstexemplary positioning key.

FIG. 47 representatively illustrates an enlarged view of the encircledportion of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 representatively illustrates an exemplary pouch having a secondexemplary positioning key.

FIG. 49 representatively illustrates an enlarged view of the encircledportion of FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 representatively illustrates an exemplary pouch having a thirdexemplary positioning key.

FIG. 51 representatively illustrates an enlarged view of the encircledportion of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 representatively illustrates a top plan view of anotherexemplary absorbent insert of the present invention with portions cutaway to illustrate underlying structure.

FIG. 53 representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of theabsorbent insert of FIG. 52 taken along the line E-E.

FIG. 54 representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of theabsorbent insert of FIG. 52 taken along the line F-F.

FIG. 55 representatively illustrates a top plan view of anotherexemplary absorbent insert of the present invention with portions cutaway to illustrate underlying structure.

FIG. 56 representatively illustrates a top plan view of anotherexemplary absorbent insert of the present invention with portions cutaway to illustrate underlying structure.

FIG. 57 representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of theabsorbent insert of FIG. 56 taken along the line G-G.

FIG. 58 representatively illustrates a side perspective view of anexemplary sling and absorbent insert incorporated in an exemplarychassis that is partially severed to illustrate internal structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The containment pant of the present invention provides a durable outerchassis and an inner pouch for containing a disposable absorbent insert.In some embodiments, the containment pant is provided in a permanentlyclosed condition. As used herein, the term “permanently closed” refersto a pant that is provided in a condition that is adapted to be onlypulled on or pulled off like conventional underwear and is distinguishedfrom pants that have refastenable fasteners and diapers that areprovided in an open condition and include fasteners for securing thediapers around the body of the wearer. Suitable containment pants arealso described in patent application U.S. Ser. No. 13/547,974, entitled“Containment Pant”, filed on Jul. 12, 2012, and having attorney docketnumber 64816460US01, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

An exemplary containment pant of the present invention isrepresentatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows aside perspective view of a containment pant 10 having a chassis 12 and asling 14 attached within the chassis 12. The chassis 12 defines a waistopening 16 and a pair of leg openings 18. The chassis 12 also defines afront waist region 20, a back waist region 22, and a crotch region 28.The crotch region 28 is located between the front waist region 20 andthe back waist region 22. The containment pant 10 of FIG. 1 is depictedin FIGS. 2 and 3 with the chassis 12 partially severed to betterillustrate internal elements. FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a sideperspective view with the chassis 12 partially severed to betterillustrate the positioning and construction of the sling 14 in the backof the containment pant 10. FIG. 3 representatively illustrates a sideperspective view with the chassis 12 partially severed to betterillustrate the construction and positioning of the sling 14 in the frontof the containment pant 10. The containment pant 10 defines alongitudinal direction 48 and a transverse direction 50 as illustratedin FIG. 1. The longitudinal direction 48 extends from the front waistregion 20 through the crotch region 28 and into the back waist region22. The transverse direction 50 is perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection 48. The chassis 12 includes an outer shell 36 and may furtherinclude waist elastic, leg elastic, or both. Referring again to FIG. 1,the chassis 12 is illustrated with a waist elastic 38 attached to theouter shell 36 and encircling the waist opening 16 and leg elastics 40attached to the outer shell 36 and encircling each of the leg openings18.

Another exemplary containment pant of the present invention isrepresentatively illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows aside perspective view of a containment pant 11 having a chassis 12 and asling 14 attached within the chassis 12. The chassis 12 defines a waistopening 16 and a pair of leg openings 18. The chassis 12 also defines afront waist region 20, a back waist region 22, and a crotch region 28.The crotch region 28 is located between the front waist region 20 andthe back waist region 22. The containment pant 11 of FIG. 6 is depictedin FIGS. 7 and 8 with the chassis 12 partially severed to betterillustrate internal elements. FIG. 7 representatively illustrates a sideperspective view with the chassis 12 partially severed to betterillustrate the positioning and construction of the sling 14 in the backof the containment pant 11. FIG. 8 representatively illustrates a sideperspective view with the chassis 12 partially severed to betterillustrate the construction and positioning of the sling 14 in the frontof the containment pant 11. The containment pant 11 also defines alongitudinal direction 48 and a transverse direction 50 as illustratedin FIG. 6. The chassis 12 includes an outer shell 37 and may furtherinclude a waist elastic 38 or leg elastics 40, or both. Referring againto FIG. 6, the chassis 12 is illustrated with a waist elastic 38attached to the outer shell 37 and encircling the waist opening 16 andleg elastics 40 attached to the outer shell 37 and encircling each ofthe leg openings 18.

In various embodiments, the outer shell may be made of a single piece ofmaterial or multiple pieces of material. In some embodiments, the outershell may be made of two or more pieces of material. For example, FIG. 4is a top plan view of the component pieces of the outer shell 36 ofFIGS. 1-3. The component pieces include a front component 21 and a backcomponent 23. In another example, FIG. 9 is a top plan view of thecomponent pieces of the outer shell 37 of FIGS. 6-8. The componentpieces include a front component 24 and a back component 31.

In various embodiments, the component pieces of the outer shell may bejoined together in any suitable manner. For example, the front component21 may be joined to the back component 23 at a crotch seam 29 asillustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the component piecesof the outer shell 36 partially joined together. In another example, thefront component 24 may be joined to the back component 31 at a crotchseam 29 as illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a top plan view of thecomponent pieces of the outer shell 37 partially joined together.Additionally, one or both of the lateral side edges of the backcomponent may be joined to one or both of the lateral side edges of thefront component at one or more side seams to define a three-dimensionalgarment. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the lateral side edges 25 ofthe back component 23 may be joined with the lateral side edges 27 ofthe front component 21 at side seams 26 to define the leg openings 18and the waist opening 16 of the containment pant 10 as illustrated inFIG. 1. Similarly, the lateral side edges 25 of the back component 31 ofFIG. 10 may be joined with the lateral side edges 27 of the frontcomponent 24 at side seams 26 to define the leg openings 18 and thewaist opening 16 of the containment pant 11 as illustrated in FIG. 6.

In various embodiments, the side seams and/or the crotch seams may beformed using any suitable means such as ultrasonic bonding, thermalbonding, adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, sewing, and the like andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the side seams and/or thecrotch seam may be formed by sewing the component pieces of the outershell using thread and any suitable stitch pattern or combination ofpatterns. In some embodiments, the side seams and/or crotch seams may beformed using a flatlock stitch.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a first outer shellhaving a first overall shape and a second outer shell having a secondoverall shape that is different than the first overall shape. In someembodiments, the first outer shell shape may be adapted to the anatomyof a male wearer. In some embodiments, the second outer shell shape maybe adapted to the anatomy of a female wearer. Customizing the firstouter shell and/or the second outer shell is believed to be beneficialto allow for differences between the genders in anatomy, body shape, andundergarment style preferences. For example, the outer shell 36illustrated in FIG. 1 has a shape and style adapted for males. Incomparison, the outer shell 37 illustrated in FIG. 6 has a shape andstyle adapted for females. In some embodiments, the front components 21may include protrusions 98 for partially defining the leg openings asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Additionally, the back component 23 mayalso include protrusions 98 for partially defining the leg openings asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. In various embodiments, the frontcomponent may have an area that is similar in size to the area of theback component as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In other embodiments,the front component may have an area that is significantly smaller thanthe area of the back component as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In various embodiments, the waist elastic may encircle at least 50, 60,70, 80, or 90 percent of the respective waist opening. In someembodiments, the waist elastic 38 may encircle 100% of the waist opening16 as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6. In variousembodiments, the leg elastic may encircle at least 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90percent of either or both leg openings. In some embodiments, the legelastic 40 may encircle 100% of both leg openings 18 as representativelyillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6.

In various embodiments, the waist elastic and/or the leg elastic may bein complete facing relationship with the outer shell (Not shown). Insome embodiments, the waist elastic and/or the leg elastic may bepartially or completely encased within the outer shell (Not shown). Inother embodiments, the waist elastic and/or the leg elastic may becantilevered relative to the outer shell. As used herein, the term“cantilevered” refers to a waist elastic and/or leg elastic that hasless than 100% facing relationship with the outer shell and extendsbeyond an outer edge of the outer shell. For example, referring again toFIGS. 2 and 7, the waist elastics 38 are cantilevered as they extendbeyond the outer edge 46 of the respective outer shells 36 and 37.Likewise, the leg elastics 40 are also cantilevered as they extendbeyond the outer edge 46 of the respective outer shells 36 and 37.

In various embodiments, the waist elastic and/or leg elastic may bejoined with the outer shell using any suitable means such as ultrasonicbonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, sewing,and the like and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the waistelastic and/or leg elastic may be sewed to the outer shell using threadand any suitable stitch pattern or combination of patterns. For example,FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 6-8 representatively illustrate the waist elastic 38joined with the respective outer shells 36 and 37 at a sewn waistelastic seam 39 and the leg elastics 40 joined with the respective outershells 36 and 37 at sewn leg elastic seams 41. In some embodiments, thewaist elastic and/or leg elastic may be sewed to the outer shell using acover stitch.

Inside the chassis 12 is the sling 14, which includes a fluid-imperviousbase sheet 30 and at least one containment flap 32 joined with the basesheet 30 to create a fluid-impervious pouch 34. The fluid-imperviouspouch 34 is adapted to house a removable absorbent insert and containfluid until it can be taken into the absorbent insert. Thefluid-impervious pouch 34 is drapeable and is designed to conform andgasket against the body of the wearer.

In some embodiments, the sling 14 may further include a firsttransition, a second transition, or both. The first transition and thesecond transition are believed to be beneficial in that they allow thefluid-impervious pouch to be joined within the chassis withoutsignificantly reducing the extension and retraction properties of theouter shell and/or the waist elastic. Additionally, the first transitionand the second transition are believed to be beneficial by allowing thefluid-impervious pouch to move from front to back within the chassis.This freedom of movement is believed to allow the fluid-impervious pouchto adjust after donning the containment pant and during wear.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 7, the sling 14 is illustrated with asecond transition 42 joined with the back waist region 22 of thecontainment pant. Likewise, in FIGS. 3 and 8, the sling 14 isillustrated with a first transition 44 joined with the front waistregion 20 of the containment pant. Alternatively, in any of theembodiments described herein, the second transition may be joined withthe front waist region and the first transition may be joined with theback waist region. In various embodiments, the first transition, thesecond transition, or both, may be one or more discrete pieces ofmaterial joined between the pouch and the chassis. In other embodiments,the first transition, the second transition, or both, may be integralwith the pouch or may be integral with the shell or any suitable portionof the chassis.

For example, FIG. 3 illustrates the first transition 44 as integral withthe shell components and FIG. 2 illustrates the second transition 42 asa discrete piece of material. In this embodiment, the first transition44 is constructed from multiple portions of the shell 36. As seen inFIGS. 4 and 5, the first transition 44 is constructed from a first part44A, a second part 44B, and a third part 44C. The first part 44A and thesecond part 44B are integral with the back component 23 of the shellwhereas the third part 44C is integral with the front component 21 ofthe shell. When the shell is constructed, the first part 44A and thesecond part 44B are joined with the third part 44C as illustrated by thearrows of FIG. 5. The fully constructed first transition 44 is thenfolded along the fold lines 33 of FIG. 5 to define the first transition44 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

In another example, FIG. 8 also illustrates the first transition 44 asintegral with the shell components and FIG. 7 illustrates the secondtransition 42 as a discrete piece of material. In this embodiment, thefirst transition 44 is constructed from a single portion of the shell37. As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first transition 44 is constructedfrom a portion of the front component 24 of the shell. When the shell isconstructed, the first transition 44 is then folded along fold line 33of FIG. 10 to define the first transition 44 as illustrated in FIG. 8.

In various embodiments, a sling and a fluid-impervious pouch may beconstructed in any suitable manner. For example, an exemplary sling andfluid-impervious pouch may include a containment flap, a base sheet, afirst transition, and a second transition. Referring now to FIG. 11, atop plan view of the component parts of an exemplary pouch and sling arerepresentatively illustrated. A fully constructed pouch 68 made from thecomponent parts of FIG. 11 is representatively illustrated in FIG. 12. Afully constructed sling made from the component parts of FIG. 11 isrepresentatively illustrated in FIG. 13. A cross sectional view of thesling 52 of FIG. 13 taken along the line A-A is representativelyillustrated in FIG. 14.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the component parts include a containment flap54, a base sheet 56, a first transition 58, and a second transition 60.The containment flap 54 defines a proximal portion 62 and a distalportion 64. The proximal portion 62 of the containment flap 54 is joinedwith the base sheet 56 to create a containment flap seal 66 and define afluid-impervious pouch 68 as illustrated in FIG. 12. In someembodiments, the containment flaps may further include one or moreelastics. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the distal portion 64of the containment flap 54 further includes a containment flap elastic70.

In various embodiments, the fluid-impervious pouch 68 of FIG. 12 may beincorporated into any suitable sling and/or chassis using integratedtransitions, discrete transitions, or combinations thereof. In variousembodiments, the fluid-impervious pouch 68 of FIG. 12 may beincorporated into any suitable sling and/or chassis using only atransition joined with the front waist region, only a transition joinedwith the back waist region, or neither. In FIG. 13 the fluid-imperviouspouch 68 of FIG. 12 is joined with the first transition 58 and thesecond transition 60 to define the sling 52. Referring now to FIGS.11-13, the first transition 58 defines a first edge 82 and a second edge84. Likewise, the second transition 60 defines a first edge 90 and asecond edge 92. The base sheet 56 defines a first edge 86 and a secondedge 88. The first edge 86 of the base sheet 56 is joined with thesecond edge 84 of the first transition 58 to define a first junction 72.Likewise, the second edge 88 of the base sheet 56 is joined with thefirst edge 90 of the second transition 60 to define a second junction74.

In various embodiments, the sling 52 of FIG. 13 can be joined with anysuitable chassis to form a containment pant. In various embodiments, thesling 52 may be joined with a chassis such that the first transition islocated in either the front waist region or the back waist region of thechassis and the second transition is located in the opposite region ofthe chassis. For example, referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, an exemplarycontainment pant 53 having a chassis 51 and the sling 52 of FIG. 13 isrepresentatively illustrated. FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of thecontainment pant 53 with the chassis 51 partially severed to illustratethe attachment of the sling 52 in the back waist region 22.Specifically, the second transition 60 is joined with the back waistregion 22 of the chassis 51 at a back sling seam 43. FIG. 16 is a sideperspective view of the containment pant 53 with the chassis 51partially severed to illustrate the attachment of the sling 52 in thefront waist region 20. Specifically, the first transition 58 is joinedwith the front waist region 20 of the chassis 51 at a front sling seam45.

In some embodiments, a sling and a fluid-impervious pouch may beconstructed with a first containment flap, a second containment flap, abase sheet, a first transition, and a second transition. For example,referring now to FIG. 17, a top plan view of the component parts ofanother exemplary pouch and sling are representatively illustrated. Afully constructed pouch 118 made from some of the component parts ofFIG. 17 is representatively illustrated in FIG. 18. A fully constructedsling 102 made from the component parts of FIG. 17 is representativelyillustrated in FIG. 19. A cross sectional view of the sling 102 of FIG.19 taken along the line B-B is representatively illustrated in FIG. 20.

The component parts include a first side containment flap 104, a secondside containment flap 105, a base sheet 106, a first transition 108, anda second transition 110. The first side containment flap 104 and thesecond side containment flap 105 each define a proximal portion 112 anda distal portion 114. The first transition 108 defines a first edge 132and a second edge 134. Likewise, the second transition 110 defines afirst edge 140 and a second edge 142. The base sheet 106 defines a firstedge 136 and a second edge 138. The first edge 136 of the base sheet 106is folded along a first fold line 144 to define a first end containmentflap 148 as illustrated in FIG. 18. Likewise, the second edge 138 of thebase sheet 106 is folded along a second fold line 146 to define a secondend containment flap 150 as illustrated in FIG. 18. The portion of thebase sheet 106 proximate the first fold line 144 is joined with thesecond edge 134 of the first transition 108 to define a first junction122 as illustrated in FIG. 19. Likewise, the portion of the base sheet106 proximate the second fold line 146 is joined with the first edge 140of the second transition 110 to define a second junction 124 asillustrated in FIG. 19.

In various embodiments, the side containment flaps may have a curve cutor a straight cut. For example, the first side containment flap 104 andthe second side containment flap 105 of FIG. 17 are illustrated ashaving a curve cut. Similarly, the first side containment flap 330 andthe second side containment flap 332 of FIG. 28 also illustrate a curvecut. In contrast, the containment flap 54 in FIG. 11 is exemplary of astraight cut flap. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it isbelieved that the curve cut containment flaps facilitate closeralignment with the natural curvature of the wearer's body. As such, itis believed that a more comfortable and better fit can be achieved.

The proximal portions 112 of each of the side containment flaps 104 and105 are joined with the base sheet 106 and/or the first end containmentflap 148 and/or the second end containment flap 150 to form containmentflap seals 116 and to partially define a fluid-impervious pouch 118 asillustrated in FIG. 18. In various embodiments, one or both end flapsmay be positioned between one or both of the containment flaps and thebase sheet. In other embodiments, one or both of the containment flapsmay be positioned between one or both of the end flaps and the basesheet. For example, in some embodiments, both end flaps may bepositioned between both containment flaps and the base sheet asillustrated in FIG. 18. In other embodiments (not illustrated), bothcontainment flaps may be positioned between both end flaps and the basesheet.

In various embodiments, the end flap may also include an end flap seal117. The end flap seal 117 may join the first side containment flap 104and/or the second side containment flap 105 to the first end containmentflap 148 and/or the second end containment flap 150 and/or the basesheet 106 to define the fluid impervious pouch 118 in conjunction withthe containment flap seals 116. In various embodiments, the overlapregion 119 between the side containment flaps 104 and 105 and the endcontainment flaps 148 and 150 may be joined via any suitable manner todefine a completely fluid impervious pouch 118. For example, in someembodiments, the side containment flaps 104 and 105 may be joined withthe end containment flaps 148 and 150 in the overlap regions 119 byadhesive bonding, stitching, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding,pressure bonding, and the like, and combinations thereof. For example,the distal portions 114 of the first side containment flap 104 and thesecond side containment flap 105 may be completely joined with the endcontainment flaps 148 and 150 in the overlap regions 119 to ensure thatthe pouch 118 is completely fluid-impervious.

In various embodiments, any or all of the side containment flaps and/orthe end containment flaps may further include one or more elastics. Forexample, the distal portions 114 of the side containment flaps 104 and105 may further include containment flap elastic 120 as illustrated inFIG. 20.

In some embodiments, the first end containment flap and/or the secondend containment flap may further include an insert stop that limits thedepth to which an absorbent insert can be inserted. For example, thesecond end containment flap 150 of FIG. 18 is illustrated with an insertstop 147. In this embodiment, the insert stop 147 is illustrated as anultrasonic bond between the second end containment flap 150 and the basesheet 106. In various embodiments, the insert stops may be any suitablelength or width and may be positioned at any suitable depth within thefirst end containment pocket and/or the second end containment pocket.In some embodiments, the insert stop may extend from one containmentflap seal to the other containment flap seal (not illustrated). In otherembodiments, the insert stop 147 may terminate short of one or bothcontainment flap seals 116 and thereby allow fluid within the second endcontainment pocket 150 to flow around the insert stop 147 and into areservoir 145. In effect, this configuration provides greater volume forcontaining insults while still providing a suitably sized pocket forretention of the absorbent insert.

In various embodiments, the fluid-impervious pouch 118 of FIG. 18 may beincorporated into any suitable sling and/or chassis using integratedtransitions, discrete transitions, or combinations thereof. In variousembodiments, the fluid-impervious pouch 118 of FIG. 18 may beincorporated into any suitable sling and/or chassis using only atransition joined with the front waist region, only a transition joinedwith the back waist region, or neither. In the illustrated embodiment,the fluid-impervious pouch 118 of FIG. 18 is joined with the firsttransition 108 and the second transition 110 to define the sling 102 ofFIG. 19.

In various embodiments, the sling 102 of FIG. 19 can be joined with anysuitable chassis to form a containment pant. In various embodiments, thesling 102 may be joined with a chassis such that the first transition islocated in either the front waist region or the back waist region of thechassis and the second transition is located in the opposite region ofthe chassis. For example, referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, an exemplarycontainment pant 103 having a chassis 101 and the sling 102 isrepresentatively illustrated. FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of thecontainment pant 103 with the chassis 101 partially severed toillustrate the attachment of the sling 102 in the back waist region 22.Specifically, the second transition 110 is joined with the back waistregion 22 of the chassis 101 at a back sling seam 43. FIG. 22 is a sideperspective view of the containment pant 103 with the chassis 101partially severed to illustrate the attachment of the sling 102 in thefront waist region 20. Specifically, the first transition 108 is joinedwith the front waist region 20 of the chassis 101 at a front sling seam45.

In another embodiment, a sling and a fluid-impervious pouch may beconstructed with a base sheet, a first transition, and a secondtransition. For example, referring now to FIG. 23, a top plan view ofthe component parts of another exemplary pouch and sling arerepresentatively illustrated. A fully constructed pouch 206 made fromsome of the component parts of FIG. 23 is representatively illustratedin FIG. 24. A fully constructed sling 152 made from the component partsof FIG. 23 is representatively illustrated in FIG. 25. The componentparts include a base sheet 154, a first transition 156, and a secondtransition 158. The base sheet 154 includes a first arm 160, a secondarm 162, a third arm 164, and a fourth arm 166. The base sheet 154defines an absorbent facing surface 168 and a chassis facing surface170.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, the first arm 160 and the second arm162 are folded towards the absorbent facing surface 168 of the basesheet 154 in the direction indicated by arrows 172. A distal portion 174of the first arm 160 is joined with a distal portion 176 of the secondarm 162 to define a first bridging seam 178. Likewise, the third arm 164and the fourth arm 166 are folded towards the absorbent facing surface168 of the base sheet 154 in the direction indicated by arrows 180. Adistal portion 182 of the third arm 164 is joined with a distal portion184 of the fourth arm 166 to define a second bridging seam 186. An innerportion 188 of the first arm 160 is joined with a first portion 190 ofthe base sheet 154 to define a portion of a first containment seam 194.Likewise, an inner portion 192 of the second arm 162 is joined with thefirst portion 190 of the base sheet 154 to define the remainder of thefirst containment seam 194. An inner portion 196 of the third arm 164 isjoined with a second portion 198 of the base sheet 154 to define aportion of a second containment seam 200. Likewise, an inner portion 202of the fourth arm 166 is joined with the second portion 198 of the basesheet 154 to define the remainder of the second containment seam 200.

By folding the first arm 160 and the second arm 162 in the directionindicated by arrows 172, the lateral side edges 204 of the base sheet154 tend to bend towards the absorbent facing surface 168 of the basesheet 154. Similarly, by folding the third arm 164 and the fourth arm166 in the direction indicated by arrows 180, the lateral side edges 204of the base sheet 154 tend to bend in the same manner to definecontainment flap 205. As such, the base sheet 154 is cupped to define afluid-impervious pouch 206 having containment flap 205 as illustrated inFIG. 24.

In various embodiments, the fluid-impervious pouch 206 of FIG. 24 may beincorporated into any suitable sling and/or chassis using integratedtransitions, discrete transitions, or combinations thereof. In variousembodiments, the fluid-impervious pouch 206 of FIG. 24 may beincorporated into any suitable sling and/or chassis using only atransition joined with the front waist region, only a transition joinedwith the back waist region, or neither. In the illustrated embodiment,the fluid-impervious pouch 206 is joined with the first transition 156and the second transition 158 to define the sling 152 as illustrated inFIG. 25. In this embodiment, the first transition 156 defines a firstedge 210 and a second edge 212 and the second transition 158 defines afirst edge 214 and a second edge 216. The first portion 190 of the basesheet 154 is joined with the second edge 212 of the first transition 156to define a first junction 218. Likewise, the second portion 198 of thebase sheet 154 is joined with the first edge 214 of the secondtransition 158 to define a second junction 220. In some embodiments, thefluid-impervious pouch 206 may define a distal edge and may include oneor more elastics. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the distaledge 208 of the pouch 206 further includes a pouch elastic 209.

In various embodiments, the sling 152 of FIG. 25 can be joined with anysuitable chassis to form a containment pant. In various embodiments, thesling 152 may be joined with a chassis such that the first transition islocated in either the front waist region or the back waist region of thechassis and the second transition is located in the opposite region ofthe chassis. For example, referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, an exemplarycontainment pant 153 having a chassis 151 and the sling 152 isrepresentatively illustrated. FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of thecontainment pant 153 with the chassis 151 partially severed toillustrate the attachment of the sling 152 in the back waist region 22.Specifically, the second transition 158 is joined with the back waistregion 22 of the chassis 151 at a back sling seam 43. FIG. 27 is a sideperspective view of the containment pant 153 with the chassis 151partially severed to illustrate the attachment of the sling 152 in thefront waist region 20. Specifically, the first transition 156 is joinedwith the front waist region 20 of the chassis 151 at a front sling seam45.

In another embodiment, a fluid-impervious pouch may be constructed witha first containment flap, a second containment flap, a third containmentflap, a fourth containment flap, and a base sheet. For example,referring now to FIG. 28, a top plan view of the component parts ofanother exemplary pouch are representatively illustrated. A fullyconstructed pouch 346 made from the component parts of FIG. 28 isrepresentatively illustrated in FIG. 29.

The component parts include a first side containment flap 330, a secondside containment flap 332, a first end containment flap 334, a secondend containment flap 336, and a base sheet 338. The containment flaps330, 332, 334, and 336 each define a proximal portion 340 and a distalportion 342.

The proximal portions 340 of each of the containment flaps 330, 332,334, and 336 are joined with the base sheet 338 to form containment flapseals 344 and to define a fluid-impervious pouch 346 as illustrated inFIG. 29. In various embodiments, one or both end flaps may be positionedbetween one or both of the containment flaps and the base sheet. Inother embodiments, one or both of the containment flaps may bepositioned between one or both of the end flaps and the base sheet. Forexample, in some embodiments, both end flaps may be positioned betweenboth containment flaps and the base sheet as illustrated in FIG. 29. Inother embodiments (not illustrated), both containment flaps may bepositioned between both end flaps and the base sheet.

In various embodiments, the overlap region 349 between the sidecontainment flaps 330 and 332 and the end containment flaps 334 and 336may be joined together via any suitable manner to at least partiallydefine the completely fluid impervious pouch 346. For example, in someembodiments, the side containment flaps 330 and 332 may be joined withthe end containment flaps 334 and 336 in the overlap regions 349 byadhesive bonding, stitching, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding,pressure bonding, and the like, and combinations thereof. For example,the distal portions 342 of the first side containment flap 330 and thesecond side containment flap 332 may be completely joined with the endcontainment flaps 334 and 336 in the overlap regions 349 to ensure thatthe pouch 346 is completely fluid-impervious. In other embodiments, thedistal portions of the first end containment flap and the second endcontainment flap may be completely joined with the side containmentflaps in the overlap region to ensure the pouch is completelyfluid-impervious (not shown).

In various embodiments, one or more of the containment flaps may furtherinclude one or more elastics. For example, the distal portions 342 ofthe containment flaps 330, 332, 334, and 336 may further includecontainment flap elastic 345. In various embodiments, thefluid-impervious pouch 346 of FIG. 29 may be incorporated into anysuitable sling and/or chassis using integrated transitions, discretetransitions, or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, thefluid-impervious pouch 346 of FIG. 29 may be incorporated into anysuitable sling and/or chassis using only a transition joined with thefront waist region, only a transition joined with the back waist region,or neither.

Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31, the fluid-impervious pouch 346 of FIG.29 is joined with a first transition 350 and a second transition 352 todefine a sling 348 suspended within an exemplary containment pant 354.In various embodiments, the pouch 346 can be joined within any suitablechassis to form a containment pant. In various embodiments, the pouch346 may be joined with a chassis via a first transition that is locatedin either the front waist region or the back waist region of the chassisand via a second transition that is located in the opposite region ofthe chassis. FIG. 30 is a side perspective view of the containment pant354 with the chassis 353 partially severed to illustrate the attachmentof the pouch 346 in the back waist region 22 via the second transition352. The second transition 352 is joined with the back waist region 22of the chassis 353 at a back sling seam 43. FIG. 31 is a sideperspective view of the containment pant 354 with the chassis 353partially severed to illustrate the attachment of the pouch 346 in thefront waist region 20 via the first transition 350. In the illustratedembodiment, the first transition 350 is a discrete piece of materialjoined with the front waist region 20 of the chassis 353 while thesecond transition 352 is a discrete piece of material joined with theback waist region 22 of the chassis 353.

In general, any of the containment flaps described herein, may furtherinclude one or more containment flap elastics. The containment flapelastics may be joined with the containment flaps in any suitableconfiguration using any suitable attachment means. For example, in someembodiments, the containment flap elastics may be joined with thecontainment flaps using mechanical encasement, adhesive bonding, thermalbonding, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding, sewing, or the like, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the containment flap elastic may be encased, atleast partially, within a channel formed by folding a portion of thecontainment flap. For example, FIG. 14 representatively illustrates across sectional view of the sling 52 of FIG. 13 taken along the lineA-A. In this embodiment, the proximal portion 62 of the containment flap54 is bonded to the base sheet 56 to form containment flap seals 66. Thedistal portion 64 of the containment flap 54 is folded over upon itselfand bonded to itself to form a channel 71. The containment flap elastic70 is encased within the channel 71 and may be partially attached to thecontainment flap 54. In other embodiments, the containment flap elasticmay be disposed within the channel but not attached to the containmentflap.

In some embodiments, the containment flap elastic may be folded over thedistal edge of the containment flap. For example, FIG. 20representatively illustrates a cross sectional view of the sling 102 ofFIG. 19 taken along the line B-B. In this embodiment the proximalportion 112 of the containment flaps 104 and 105 are bonded to the basesheet 106 to form containment seals 116. The containment flap elastic120 is folded over the distal edge 121 of the first side containmentflap 104 and the second side containment flap 105. The containment flapelastics 120 may be joined with the side containment flaps 104 and 105by any suitable method, such as sewing.

In various embodiments, the attachment of the containment flap elasticto the containment flap can be adjusted to vary the tension in thecontainment flap. For example, in some embodiments, the containment flapelastic may be applied at a uniform tension and select portions can bedeadened to provide a containment flap elastic having variable tensionalong the length of the containment flap. In some embodiments, thecontainment flap elastic may be applied at variable tension to provide acontainment flap elastic having variable tension along the length of thecontainment flap.

In various embodiments, the containment flaps may be integral with thebase sheet. For example, the containment flap 205 illustrated in FIG. 24is integral with the base sheet 154. In other embodiments, thecontainment flaps may be discrete pieces of material that are joinedwith the base sheet using any suitable method to at least partiallydefine the pouch. For example, the containment flap 54 illustrated inFIG. 12 is discrete from and joined with the base sheet 56 at thecontainment flap seal 66. In some embodiments, one or more containmentflaps may be integral with the base sheet and one or more of containmentflaps may be discrete pieces. For example, FIG. 18 illustrates the firstend containment flap 148 and the second end containment flap 150 beingintegral with the base sheet 106 while the first side containment flap104 and second side containment flap 105 are discrete from and joinedwith the base sheet 106 at the containment flap seals 116.

In various embodiments, the discrete containment flaps may be joinedwith the base sheet in any suitable manner. For example, the containmentflaps may be sewed to the base sheet, heat bonded, adhesively bonded,ultrasonically bonded, seam taped, or the like, or combinations thereof.In embodiments wherein the pouch is fluid-impervious, the discretecontainment flaps are joined to the base sheet to provide afluid-impervious seal. The fluid-impervious seal is believed to preventleakage from the pouch until the absorbent insert is able to intake thefluid.

In some embodiments, the fluid-impervious seal is created, at least inpart, using ultrasonic bonding. Ultrasonic bonding fuses the base sheetmaterial to the containment flap material. The ultrasonic bonding mayutilize any suitable bonding pattern to regulate the bond strength ofthe seal. For example, the ultrasonic bond pattern may be one or morerows of “dash” bonds. For example, in some embodiments, the bond patternmay include three rows of offset dash bonds like illustrated in FIG. 13.In other embodiments, the ultrasonic bond pattern may include one ormore continuous “wave” bond patterns. For example, in some embodiments,the bond pattern may include a single continuous wave bond pattern asillustrated in FIG. 18. In other embodiments, the ultrasonic bondpattern may include one or more rows of “dot” bonds. For example, insome embodiments, the bond pattern may include two rows of offset dotbonds as illustrated in FIG. 24. The ultrasonic bonding may beaccomplished using a standard ultrasonic horn and anvil. In someembodiments, the ultrasonic bonds may be created using a sonic sewingmachine. A suitable machine is available from Sonobond and has modelnumber LM920. In various embodiments, the Sonobond sonic sewing machinemay have an output setting of 7.5, an anvil speed of 2, and a horn speedof 2.

The use of ultrasonic bonding is believed to be beneficial in someembodiments over sewing because no holes are created in the containmentflap and thus the integrity of the pouch is preserved. Likewise, the useof ultrasonic bonding is believed to be beneficial in some embodimentsover seam tape because the base sheet and/or containment flaps couldmelt at the application temperature of typical seam tape. In someembodiments, the base sheet is made of a polyurethane and polyesterlaminate and the containment flaps are made of a polyurethane andpolyester laminate. In these embodiments, the base sheet and thecontainment flap can be constructed with ultrasonic bonding to create astrong seal without burning through either the base sheet or thecontainment flap.

The flap seals collectively define a flap seal perimeter. The portion ofthe base sheet circumscribed by the flap seal perimeter constitutes thepouch floor. For example, referring now to FIG. 29, the containmentflaps 330, 332, 334, and 336 are joined to the base sheet 338 at theflap seals 344 and define a flap seal perimeter 356. The location on thebase sheet 338 where the flap seal perimeter 356 will be formed is shownwith a dashed line on FIG. 28 for purposes of illustration. In general,the portion of the base sheet 338 circumscribed by the flap sealperimeter 356 constitutes the pouch floor 358. The pouch floor 358defines a pouch floor length 360, a pouch floor width 362, and a pouchfloor area 364.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more of thecontainment flaps may further include an absorbent insert stop. Theabsorbent insert stop may be any suitable physical barrier that limitsthe depth of insertion of the absorbent insert into one or more of thecontainment flaps. In various embodiments the absorbent insert stop maybe a mechanical bond between the containment flap and the base sheetoriented primarily in the transverse direction. The mechanical bond maybe an ultrasonic bond, a thermal bond, a stitched bond, a pressure bond,an adhesive bond, or the like, or a combination thereof. For example,referring now to FIG. 29, the second end containment flap 336 isillustrated with an absorbent insert stop 351. In this embodiment, theabsorbent insert stop 351 is illustrated as an ultrasonic bond thatlimits the depth of insertion of the absorbent insert into the secondend containment flap 336. In another example, the second end containmentflap 150 of FIG. 18 is illustrated with an insert stop 147 that is anultrasonic bond between the second end containment flap 150 and the basesheet 106.

In embodiments having one or more absorbent insert stops, the pouchfloor length and the pouch floor area are defined in part by thecontainment flap seal and in part by the absorbent insert stop. Forexample, referring again to FIG. 28, the location on the base sheet 338where the absorbent insert stop 351 will be formed is shown with adashed line for purposes of illustration. In embodiments with theabsorbent insert stop 351, the pouch floor 358 defines a pouch floorlength 361 and a pouch floor area 365. In these embodiments, the pouchfloor length 361 is defined by the end portion 355 of the containmentflap seal 344 and the absorbent insert stop 351. Likewise, the pouchfloor area 365 is defined by the absorbent insert stop 351 and the sideportions 357 of the containment flap seal 344 up to the points where theabsorbent insert stop 351, if extended, would intersect the containmentflap seal 344.

In embodiments that include one or more absorbent insert stops, thepouch floor may also define a reservoir portion that extends between theabsorbent insert stop and the containment flap seal under a containmentflap. For example, referring again to FIGS. 28 and 29, the pouch floor358 defines a reservoir portion 359 that extends from the absorbentinsert stop 351 to the end portion 363 of the containment flap seal 344.In another example, referring now to FIG. 18, the pouch 118 includes areservoir portion 145 that extends from the absorbent insert stop 147 tothe end flap seal 117. As discussed previously, the insert stops may beany suitable length or width and may be positioned at any suitable depthwithin the first end containment pocket and/or the second endcontainment pocket. In some embodiments, the absorbent insert stops mayterminate short of one or both containment flap seals and thereby allowfluid within the containment pocket to flow around the absorbent insertstop and into the reservoir portion. In various embodiments, thereservoir portion may have a length of about 50 to 70 mm or about 60 mm.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more of the pouchesmay further include one or more containment flaps which may include oneor more positioning keys. As used herein, the term “positioning key”refers to any physical structure created within a pouch that is adaptedto engage and align with a positioning notch of a discrete absorbentinsert positioned within the pouch and that is adapted to be at leastpartially surrounded by portions of the discrete absorbent insert. Thepositioning keys are believed to aid orientation and alignment of thediscrete absorbent insert relative to the pouch during insertion of theabsorbent insert. Additionally, the positioning keys are believed tominimize shifting of the absorbent insert relative to the fluidimpervious pouch during use.

In various embodiments a positioning key may be a mechanical bond formedbetween a containment flap and the base sheet. The mechanical bond maybe an ultrasonic bond, a thermal bond, a stitched bond, a pressure bond,an adhesive bond, or the like, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, a positioning key may be a discrete piece of materialjoined between a containment flap and the base sheet. The discrete pieceof material may be joined by ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding,stitching, pressure bonding, adhesive bonding, and the like, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, a positioning key may be acombination of mechanical bonds and discrete pieces of material. In someembodiments, the positioning keys may be projections from the base sheetextending towards the containment flap but not joining thereto. In someembodiments, the positioning keys may be projections from thecontainment flap extending towards the base sheet but not joiningthereto. In various embodiments, the projections may be an integralportion of the containment flap or the base sheet. In some embodiments,the projections may be a discrete piece of material joined with thecontainment flap and/or the base sheet by any suitable means. In someembodiments, the positioning keys may be any combination of thosedescribed above.

Referring now to FIG. 46, a perspective view of an exemplary pouch 402with a first positioning key 404 and a second positioning key 406 isrepresentatively illustrated. The exemplary pouch 402 is similar inconstruction to the pouch 346 illustrated in FIG. 29 but with theaddition of the first positioning key 404 and the second positioning key406. However, in various embodiments, the exemplary positioning key 404and/or the exemplary positioning key 406 may be incorporated into any ofthe pouches described herein.

The first positioning key 404 is formed by bonding a portion of thefirst end containment flap 334 with a portion of the base sheet 338.Likewise, the second positioning key 406 is formed by bonding a portionof the second end containment flap 336 to a portion of the base sheet338. To better illustrate the detail of the exemplary first positioningkey, an encircled portion 408 of FIG. 46 is illustrated in FIG. 47.Specifically, FIG. 47 is a magnified perspective view of the first endcontainment flap 334 joined with the base sheet 338 via a first bond 410to define the first positioning key 404. The first end containment flap334 and the base sheet 338 define a first end containment flap entrance412 having an entrance width 414 as measured in the transverse direction50. The first positioning key 404 has a first positioning key bond width416 which separates the first end containment flap entrance 412 into afirst sub-width 418 and a second sub-width 420. The first sub-width 418is measured in the transverse direction 50 along the distal portion 342of the first end containment flap 334 from the first side containmentseal 344 to the first bond 410. Likewise, the second sub-width 420 ismeasured in the transverse direction 50 along the distal portion 342 ofthe first end containment flap 334 from the first bond 410 to the secondside containment seal 344. In embodiments that do not include sidecontainment seals, the widths and sub-widths are measured from a point30 mm from the distal edge of the side containment flap.

The first end containment flap 334 and the base sheet 338 also define afirst end containment flap depth 422 as measured in the longitudinaldirection 48 from the distal edge 343 to the end containment seal 344.In embodiments having an absorbent insert stop, the containment flapdepth is measured in the longitudinal direction from the distal edge ofthe containment flap to the absorbent insert stop. The first positioningkey 404 defines a key depth and a key length 426. The key depth ismeasured in the longitudinal direction 48 from the distal edge 343 tothe first bond 410. In this embodiment, the key depth is equal to zerobecause the first bond 410 extends to the distal edge 343. The keylength 426 is measured in the longitudinal direction 48 from one edge ofthe first bond 410 to a second edge of the first bond 410. In variousembodiments, the positioning key 404 and/or the fluid-impervious pouch402 of FIG. 46 may be incorporated into any suitable sling and/orchassis as described herein.

In some embodiments, a portion of one or more of the containment flapsmay be pleated in conjunction with the formation of the one or morepositioning keys. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 48, a perspectiveview of an exemplary pouch 428 with a first positioning key 430 and asecond positioning key 432 is representatively illustrated. Theexemplary pouch 428 is similar in construction to the pouch 346illustrated in FIG. 29 but with the addition of the first positioningkey 430 and the second positioning key 432. However, in variousembodiments, the exemplary positioning key 430 and/or the exemplarypositioning key 432 may be incorporated into any of the pouchesdescribed herein.

The first positioning key 430 is formed by bonding a portion of thefirst end containment flap 334 with a portion of the base sheet 338.Likewise, the second positioning key 432 is formed by bonding a portionof the second end containment flap 336 to a portion of the base sheet338. To better illustrate the detail of this exemplary positioning key,an encircled portion 433 of FIG. 48 is illustrated in FIG. 49.Specifically, FIG. 49 is a magnified perspective view of the first endcontainment flap 334 joined with the base sheet 338 via a first bond 410to partially define the first positioning key 430. Additionally, thefirst end containment flap 334 is also joined to itself at first pleatbond 434 to further define the first positioning key 430. The first endcontainment flap 334 and the base sheet 338 define a first endcontainment flap entrance 412 having an entrance width 414 as measuredin the transverse direction 50. The first positioning key 430 has afirst positioning key bond width 435 which separates the first endcontainment flap entrance 412 into a first sub-width 418 and a secondsub-width 420. The first sub-width 418 is measured in the transversedirection 50 along the distal portion 342 of the first end containmentflap 334 from the first side containment seal 344 to a first side of thefirst bond 410. Likewise, the second sub-width 420 is measured in thetransverse direction 50 along the distal portion 342 of the first endcontainment flap 334 from a second side of the first bond 410 to thesecond side containment seal 344.

The first end containment flap 334 and the base sheet 338 also define afirst end containment flap depth 422 as measured in the longitudinaldirection 48 from the distal edge 343 to the end containment seal 344.The first positioning key 430 defines a key depth and a key length 426.The key depth is measured in the longitudinal direction 48 from thedistal edge 343 to the first bond 410. In this embodiment, the key depthis equal to zero because the first bond 410 extends to the distal edge343. The key length 426 is measured in the longitudinal direction 48from one edge of the first bond 410 to a second edge of the first bond410. In various embodiments, the fluid-impervious pouch 428 and/or thepositioning key 430 of FIG. 48 may be incorporated into any suitablesling and/or chassis as described herein.

In some embodiments, a portion of one or more of the containment flapsmay be joined with a portion of the base sheet via a discrete piece ofmaterial to define one or more positioning keys. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 50, a perspective view of an exemplary pouch 436with a first positioning key 438 and a second positioning key 440 isrepresentatively illustrated. The exemplary pouch 436 is similar inconstruction to the pouch 346 illustrated in FIG. 29 but with theaddition of the first positioning key 438 and the second positioning key440. However, in various embodiments, the exemplary positioning key 438and/or the exemplary positioning key 440 may be incorporated into any ofthe pouches described herein.

The first positioning key 438 is formed by bonding a portion of thefirst end containment flap 334 with a first end of a first discretepiece of material 442 and bonding a portion of the base sheet 338 with asecond end, opposite the first end, of the first discrete piece ofmaterial 442. Likewise, the second positioning key 440 is formed bybonding a portion of the second end containment flap 336 with a firstend of a second discrete piece of material 444 and bonding a portion ofthe base sheet 338 with a second end, opposite the first end, of thesecond discrete piece of material 444.

To better illustrate the detail of this exemplary positioning key, anencircled portion 446 of FIG. 50 is illustrated in FIG. 51.Specifically, FIG. 51 is a magnified perspective view of the first endcontainment flap 334 joined with the base sheet 338 via a first discretepiece of material 442 to define the first positioning key 438. The firstdiscrete piece of material 442 is bonded to the first end containmentflap 334 at a first bond 448. Likewise, the first discrete piece ofmaterial 442 is bonded to the base sheet 338 at a second bond 450.

The first end containment flap 334 and the base sheet 338 define a firstend containment flap entrance 412 having an entrance width 414 asmeasured in the transverse direction 50. The first positioning key 438has a first positioning key width 452 which separates the first endcontainment flap entrance 412 into a first sub-width 418 and a secondsub-width 420. The first sub-width 418 is measured in the transversedirection 50 along the distal portion 342 of the first end containmentflap 334 from the first side containment seal 344 to a first side of thefirst discrete piece of material 442. Likewise, the second sub-width 420is measured in the transverse direction 50 along the distal portion 342of the first end containment flap 334 from a second side of the firstdiscrete piece of material 442 to the second side containment seal 344.

The first end containment flap 334 and the base sheet 338 also define afirst end containment flap depth 422 as measured in the longitudinaldirection 48 from the distal edge 343 to the end containment seal 344.The first positioning key 438 defines a key depth 424 and a key length426. The key depth 424 is measured in the longitudinal direction 48 fromthe distal edge 343 to the first discrete piece of material 442. In thisembodiment, the key depth 424 is equal to 5 mm as the first discretepiece of material 442 is slightly removed from the distal edge 343. Thekey length 426 is measured in the longitudinal direction 48 from oneedge of the first discrete piece of material 442 to a second edge of thefirst discrete piece of material 442. In various embodiments, thefluid-impervious pouch 436 of FIG. 50 may be incorporated into anysuitable sling and/or chassis as described herein.

In various embodiments, the total width of the various containment flapentrances is measured in the transverse direction 50 along the distalportion 342 of the respective containment flaps from a first sidecontainment seal to a second side containment seal. For example,referring again to FIGS. 46, 48, and 50, the containment flap width 414is measured from points A to points B. In various embodiments, the flapentrance width may be 160 to 200 mm, 165 to 180 mm, or about 165 mm.

In various embodiments, the width of the positioning key is measured inthe transverse direction 50 from a first side of the respectivepositioning key to a second side of the respective positioning key. Ingeneral, the width of the positioning key is the minimum dimensionrequired to span the positioning key in the transverse direction withoutdeforming the positioning key. For example, referring again to FIG. 47,the positioning key width 416 is measured from point C to point D. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 49, the positioning key width 435 ismeasured from point E to point F. In the example illustrated in FIG. 51,the positioning key width 452 is measured from point G to point H. Invarious embodiments, the key width may be 1 to 10 mm, 3 to 7 mm, orabout 6 mm.

In general, the respective entrance widths are separated by thepositioning key to define sub-widths. The sub-widths are measured in thetransverse direction 50 from a containment flap seal to the respectiveside of the positioning key. In general, the sub-width is the maximumdimension that can pass between the containment flap seal and thepositioning key without deforming the positioning key or other elementsof the pouch. For example, referring again to FIGS. 46 and 47, the firstsub-width 418 is measured from point A to point C and the secondsub-width 420 is measured from point D to point B. In the exampleillustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49, the first sub-width 418 is measured frompoint A to point E and the second sub-width 420 is measured from point Fto point B. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 50 and 51, the firstsub-width 418 is measured from point A to point G and the secondsub-width 420 is measured from point H to point B.

In embodiments, having multiple positioning keys, the respectiveentrance widths may be separated to define a third sub-width, a fourthsub-width, etc. In various embodiments, the sub-widths may be 70 to 100mm, 80 to 90 mm, or about 83 mm. In various embodiments, the firstsub-width may be 90 to 110% the second sub-width. In some embodiments,the first sub-width may be about 100% the second sub-width. In theseembodiments, the positioning key is essentially centered within theentrance width.

In general, the containment flap depth 422 is measured in thelongitudinal direction 48 from the distal edge of the respective flap tothe end containment seal or the absorbent insert stop of the respectiveflap. In various embodiments, the containment flap depth may be 30 to 60mm, 35 to 50 mm, or about 40 mm.

In general, the positioning key depth is the distance, as measured inthe longitudinal direction 48, from the distal edge of the containmentflap to the portion of the positioning key closest to the distal edge.In various embodiments, the positioning key depth can be characterizedas a percentage of the containment flap depth. As such, the positioningkey depth can range from 0% to 90% the containment flap depth. In otherwords, at 0%, at least a portion of the positioning key is locatedproximate the distal edge of the containment flap. In some embodiments,one or more containment flaps may include a positioning key having apositioning key depth that is less than 25%, less than 15%, or less than5% the respective containment flap depth.

Similarly, the positioning key length is the distance, as measured inthe longitudinal direction 48, from the portion of the positioning keyclosest to the distal edge of the respective containment flap to theportion of the positioning key furthest from the distal edge of therespective containment flap. In various embodiments, the positioning keylength can be characterized as a percentage of the containment flapdepth. As such, the positioning key length can range from 1% to 100% thecontainment flap depth. In other words, at 1%, the positioning keylength is essentially a point bond. Similarly, at 100%, the positioningkey is attached along the entire depth of the containment flap.

In various embodiments, the positioning keys may have one or more fluidpassageways that allow fluid to move in the transverse direction throughthe positioning key. For example, referring again to FIG. 51, thepositioning key 438 is illustrated with fluid passageways 454 in theform of holes. In various embodiments, the positioning keys may have oneor more fluid passageways in any suitable shape and size. For example,the fluid passageways may be holes, slits, or other openings that allowfluid to move in the transverse direction through the positioning key,or combinations thereof. In embodiments, wherein the positioning keylength is at least 50% the containment flap depth, the utilization ofone or more fluid passageways is believed to be useful in allowing fluidto access all parts of the absorbent insert.

Referring again to FIG. 28, the pouch floor 358 also defines a first endsection 366, a second end section 367, and a central section 368 in thelongitudinal direction 48. The central section 368 extends between thefirst end section 366 and the second end section 367. The first endsection 366 defines a first end section width 369 and a first endsection length 370. The second end section 367 defines a second endsection width 371 and a second end section length 372. The centralsection 368 defines a central section width 373 and a central sectionlength 374. The first end section length 370 plus the second end sectionlength 372 plus the central section length 374 equals the pouch floorlength. The widths of the various sections are measured in thetransverse direction 50 and the lengths of the various sections aremeasured in the longitudinal direction 48. The pouch floor dimensionsare measured on an assembled pouch by tracing around the inner edge ofthe flap seal perimeter with a pen, cutting the containment flaps andelastic from the pouch, and laying the pouch floor flat. If no flap sealis present, the pouch floor is defined relative to the distal edge ofthe containment flap. Specifically, in these embodiments, the pouchfloor is defined by the position 30 mm from the distal edge of thecontainment flap.

In an embodiment adapted for children weighing 60 to 120 pounds, whichmay be characterized as size large and/or extra large, the pouch floorlength may be 380 to 500 mm, or 410 to 470 mm, or about 440 mm. In anembodiment adapted for children weighing 38 to 65 pounds, which may becharacterized as small and/or medium, the pouch floor length may be 350to 450 mm, 375 to 425 mm, or about 400 mm. In some of these embodiments,the pouch floor may also include a reservoir having a length of 50 to 70mm or about 60 mm.

In various embodiments, the first end section length may equal thecentral section length which may equal the second end section length. Inother embodiments, the first end section length may equal the second endsection length and the central section length may be different. Forexample, the first end section length may be about 35% the pouch floorlength, the second end section length may be about 35% the pouch floorlength, and the central section length may be about 30% the pouch floorlength. In another example, the first end section length may be about30% the pouch floor length, the second end section length may be about30% the pouch floor length, and the central section length may be about40% the pouch floor length.

In various embodiments, the pouch floor may have a width that varies atdifferent points along the longitudinal direction. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 28, the pouch floor 358 has a variable width atdifferent points along the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment,the first end section 366 and the second end section 368 have a maximumwidth that is greater than the maximum width of the central section 367.For example, the first end section and the second end section may have amaximum width of about 145 to 195 mm, about 160 to 180 mm or about 171mm. In these embodiments, the central section may have a maximum widthof about 60 to 100, about 70 to 90 mm, or about 82 mm.

In various embodiments, the first end section, the second end section,and/or the central section may have a variable width at different pointsalong the longitudinal direction or may have a consistent width atdifferent points along the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments,the first end section and the second end section may have variable widthat different points along the longitudinal direction and the centralsection may have a consistent width at different points along thelongitudinal direction as illustrated in FIG. 28. In some embodiments,the first end section and the second end section may have a width thatvaries from 171 mm at the maximum to 82 mm at the minimum. In theseembodiments, the central section may have a consistent width of about 82mm.

In some embodiments, the pouch floor defines a first reference width 376measured at ⅛ the pouch floor length, a second reference width 377measured at ½ the pouch floor length, and a third reference width 378measured at ⅞ the pouch floor length. In some embodiments, the firstreference width 376 may be equal to the third reference width 378 andthe second reference width 377 may be less than the first and thirdreference widths 376 and 378. In some embodiments, the second referencewidth 377 may be less than 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% the first referencewidth 376 and/or the third reference width 378. In some embodiments, thesecond reference width 377 may be about 48% the first reference width376 and the third reference width 378.

In various embodiments, the pouch floor area may be any suitable value.For example, in embodiments adapted for children weighing 60 to 120pounds, the pouch floor area may be about 55,000 mm². In embodimentsadapted for children weighing 38 to 65 pounds, the pouch floor area maybe about 47,700 mm².

In various embodiments, the pouch floor may define any suitable shape.For example, the pouch floor may have a symmetric shape about thetransverse centerline or may have an asymmetric shape about thetransverse centerline. In various embodiments, the pouch floor may havea dog-bone-shape, hourglass-shape, T-shape, rectangular shape, or thelike.

In various embodiments, the pouches of the present invention may bejoined with one or more transitions in any suitable manner. For example,the pouches may be joined with the transitions by sewing, ultrasonicbonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, seam taping, and the like,and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the transitions may bejoined with the pouches by sewing, using any suitable stitch orcombination of stitches. For example, in some embodiments, thetransitions may be attached to the pouches using a single needle stitchfollowed by a top stitch.

In some embodiments, the pouches may be constructed such that extramaterial is available for attaching the transitions without breachingthe fluid-impervious integrity of the pouch. For example, in someembodiments, the containment flap may be joined to the base sheet at thecontainment flap seal. The containment flap seal may be positioned suchthat a portion of the containment flap material and/or the base sheetmaterial is available for attaching to the first and/or secondtransition while maintaining the integrity of the fluid-imperviouspouch.

In some embodiments, the sling is minimally attached to the chassis tomaximize the fit and natural movement of the chassis. In someembodiments, the sling is attached to the chassis via the firsttransition and/or the second transition. In various embodiments, thefirst transition may be joined with front waist region at the frontsling seam and the second transition may be joined with the back waistregion at the back sling seam. In other embodiments, the firsttransition may be joined with the back waist region at the back slingseam and the second transition may be joined with the front waist regionat the front sling seam. The first transition and/or the secondtransition may be joined to any suitable portion of the front waistregion and/or the back waist region. For example, the first transitionand/or the second transition may be joined at the waist elastic seam inthe front waist region and/or the back waist region. Additionally oralternatively, the first transition and/or the second transition may bejoined to the outer shell in the front waist region and/or the secondwaist region. In some embodiments, the first transition and/or thesecond transition may be integral with the chassis. In theseembodiments, the integral transition is joined with the pouch using anysuitable method, including those described herein. In some embodiments,the first transition and/or the second transition may be integral withthe shell of the chassis. For example, FIGS. 8 and 10 representativelyillustrate a transition that is integral with the shell of the chassis.In these embodiments, the integral transition is part of the shellmaterial and is a distinct projection of the shell material.

In some of the embodiments, the sling may be attached to the chassis inthe front waist region, the back waist region, and the crotch region.The sling may be attached to the chassis in the crotch region by anysuitable means. For example, the sling may be sewed, ultrasonic bonded,thermal bonded, adhesive bonded, pressure bonded, and the like, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the sling may be attached tothe chassis in the crotch region via one or more tabs. The tabs may bediscrete pieces of material that are joined with both the pouch of thesling and with the chassis using any suitable means. For example, insome embodiments, the tabs may be discrete pieces of material that areultrasonically bonded to the pouch of the sling and sewn with thread tothe chassis. In various embodiments, the tabs may be attached to thechassis using any suitable sewing stitch or combinations thereof. Forexample, in some embodiments, the tabs may be attached to the chassisusing a zig zag stitch. In some embodiments, the tabs may be positionedto at least partially overlay the crotch seam.

Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, the sling 152 is joined with thecrotch region 28 of the chassis 151 via discrete tabs 100 (only onevisible). Specifically, the tabs 100 are joined with the sling 152 via afirst tab seam 149. Likewise, the tabs 100 are joined with the chassis151 via a second tab seam 199. The first tab seam 149 is an ultrasonicbond to preserve the fluid-impervious pouch 206. The second tab seam 199is a thread sewn bond.

In some embodiments, the tabs may be an integral part of the sling. Forexample, the tabs may be an integral part of one or more of thecontainment flaps. In these embodiments, the sling may be joined to thechassis by joining the tabs with the chassis using any suitable means.For example, in FIGS. 11-16, the containment flap 54 includes attachmenttabs 67 extending from the proximal portion 62 of the containment flap54. As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the sling 52 is joined with thecrotch region 28 of the chassis 51 by the attachment tabs 67 (only onevisible) and tab seams 199 (only one visible).

In another example, the tab may be an integral part of the basematerial. In these embodiments, the sling may be joined to the chassisby joining the tabs with the chassis using any suitable means. In otherembodiments, the tabs may be an integral part of both the base materialand the containment flaps. For example, in FIGS. 17-22, the sidecontainment flaps 104 and 105 both include an integral attachment tab94. Likewise, the base sheet 106 includes a pair of integral attachmenttabs 96. The sling 102 may be joined with a chassis using, in part, theattachment tabs 94 and/or 96. For example, FIGS. 21 and 22representatively illustrate the sling 102 joined with the chassis 101 atthe crotch region 28 utilizing the attachment tabs 94 and 96.

In some embodiments, the slings of the present invention define aperimeter and are joined to the chassis about the perimeter. Forexample, referring again to FIG. 19, the sling 102 defines a perimeter115 that includes portions of the first transition 108, the secondtransition 110, and the pouch 118. In various embodiments, the slings ofthe present invention may be joined to the chassis about any suitablepercentage of the perimeter. For example, in some embodiments, the slingmay be joined to the chassis at less than 30%, less than 25%, less than20%, and less than 15% of the perimeter. In some embodiments, the slingmay be attached to the chassis at about 22% of the perimeter. In someembodiments, the attachment tabs have a length in the longitudinaldirection that is less than 75 mm, less than 50 mm, or less than 25 mm.In some embodiments, the slings of the present invention may be joinedto the chassis around at least 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the perimeter.In some embodiments, the slings may be joined to the chassis aroundabout 100% of the perimeter.

The outer shell may be made of any suitable material or combination ofmaterials. In various embodiments, the outer shells of the presentinvention may be made of cotton, cotton blends, nylon, nylon blends,polyester, polyester blends, rayon, rayon blends, spandex, and the likeand combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the outer shells may be ablend of nylon and spandex. For example, the outer shells may be 80%nylon and 20% spandex material. In some embodiments, the outer shell maybe a cotton fabric blended with spandex. For example, the outer shellmay be cotton fabric having 12% to 25%, 15% to 22%, or about 20%spandex. Thus, in some embodiments, the shell may be 80% cotton and 20%spandex. In other embodiments, the outer shell may be a polyester fabricblended with spandex. In these embodiments, the polyester fabric mayhave 8% to 16%, 10% to 15%, or about 14% spandex. Thus, in someembodiments, the shell may be 86% polyester and 14% spandex.

In some embodiments, the shell is able to extend in the transversedirection to at least 250% (i.e., a 4-inch piece of relaxed materialthat is stretched to 8 inches is stretched 100% and if stretched to 14inches is 250%). Additionally, in some embodiments, the shell is adaptedto have sufficient retractive force in the transverse direction to holdthe pant securely against the body both at initial donning and afterinsult. In some embodiments, the shell is adapted to have sufficientretractive force in the transverse direction over the extension range ofabout 100% to about 250%.

The retractive force of various materials can be determined by using theStrip Tensile Test described below. This test measures the load in gramsand elongation in percent. In this test, two clamps, each having twojaws with each jaw having a facing in contact with the sample, hold thematerial in the same plane, usually vertically, separated by 3 inchesand move apart at a specified rate of extension. Values for this testare obtained using a suitable sample width, a 7-inch sample length, ajaw facing size of 1 inch high by 3 inches wide, and a constant rate ofextension of 300 mm/minute. The Sintech 2 tester, available from theSintech Corporation, 1001 Sheldon Dr., Cary, N.C. 27513, is suitable foruse with this test. The Instron Model™, available from the InstronCorporation, 2500 Washington St., Canton, Mass. 02021, or aThwing-Albert Model INTELLECT II, available from the Thwing-AlbertInstrument Co., 10960 Dutton Rd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19154, may also beused for this test.

Exemplary shell materials were tested using this test method. To measurethe transverse direction profile, the samples were cut to 3 inches inthe longitudinal direction and 7 inches in the transverse direction. Tomeasure the longitudinal direction profile, the samples were cut to 3inches in the transverse direction and 7 inches in the longitudinaldirection.

In some embodiments, the shell material has a retractive force (per 3inch width) in the transverse direction from about 750 grams force at100% elongation to about 27,000 grams force at 250% elongation. Invarious embodiments, the shell material has a retractive force (per 3inch width) less than about 1,500 grams at 80% elongation in thetransverse direction. In some embodiments, the shell material has a load(per 3 inch width) at 150% elongation in the transverse direction ofabout 1,100 to about 7,000 grams force. In some embodiments, the shellmaterial has a load (per 3 inch width) at 250% elongation in thetransverse direction of about 2,000 to about 27,500 grams force. In someembodiments, the shell material has a load to elongation profile in thetransverse direction within the range between Profile 1 and Profile 2,within the range between Profile 1 and Profile 3, and within the rangebetween Profile 2 and Profile 3 as summarized in Table 1. In someembodiments, the shell material has a load to elongation profile in thetransverse direction at the values of Profile 2 as summarized in Table1.

TABLE 1 Shell Load (gram force per 3 inch width) and Elongation -Transverse Direction 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 150% 200% 250% Profile 1 174.2311.0 446.3 591.3 747.9 1108.5 1480.2 2074.7 Profile 2 356.1 770.91118.2 1479.8 1895.8 3132.9 5293.3 10733.1 Profile 3 142.1 365.1 636.61035.1 1656.7 6867.6 21506.6 27508.9

In some embodiments, the shell material is able to extend in thelongitudinal direction to at least 150%. In some embodiments, the shellis adapted to have sufficient retractive force in the longitudinaldirection to hold the pant securely against the body both at initialdonning and after insult. In some embodiments, the shell is adapted tohave sufficient retractive force in the longitudinal direction over theextension range of about 80% to about 150%. Thus, in some embodiments,the shell has a retractive force (per 3 inch width) in the longitudinaldirection from about 850 grams force at 80% elongation to about 21,250grams force at 150% elongation. In various embodiments, the shellmaterial has a load (per 3 inch width) at 80% elongation in thelongitudinal direction of less than about 2,100 grams force. In someembodiments, the shell material has a load (per 3 inch width) at 150%elongation in the longitudinal direction of about 2,000 to about 21,250grams force. In some embodiments, the shell material has a load toelongation profile in the longitudinal direction within the rangebetween Profile 1 and Profile 2, within the range between Profile 1 andProfile 3, and within the range between Profile 2 and Profile 3 assummarized in Table 2. In some embodiments, the shell material has aload to elongation profile in the longitudinal direction at the valuesof Profile 2 as summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Shell Load (gram force per 3 inch width) and Elongation -Longitudinal Direction 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 150% 200% 250% Profile 1232.5 435.6 628.6 849.5 1103.7 2083.7 4888.1 12795.3 Profile 2 109.4292.2 542.9 918.4 1507.1 4117.7 9950.9 18660.1 Profile 3 163.0 472.5993.7 2067.6 4941.2 21249.1 37634.7 34704.3

The waist elastic and/or leg elastic may be made of any suitablematerial or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the waistelastic and/or leg elastic may be made of nylon, spandex, polyester,cotton, rayon, and the like, and combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the waist elastic and/or leg elastic may be a blend ofnylon, spandex, and polyester. For example, in some embodiments, thewaist elastic and/or the leg elastic may be 46% nylon, 28% spandex, and26% polyester. In various embodiments, any suitable thread may be usedto secure the waist elastic to the shell material. For example, in someembodiments, the thread used to secure the waist elastic and/or legelastic to the shell may be polyester thread.

In some embodiments, the waist elastic is able to extend in thetransverse direction to at least 200%. In some embodiments, the waistelastic is adapted to have sufficient retractive force in the transversedirection to hold the pant securely against the body both at initialdonning and after insult. In some embodiments, the waist elastic isadapted to have sufficient retractive force in the transverse directionover the extension range of about 100% to about 200%. The load toelongation profile of the waist elastic can be determined by using theStrip Tensile Test described herein using a 1″ by 7″ sample. In variousembodiments, the waist elastic has a load at 100% elongation of about500 to about 1100 grams force. In some embodiments, the waist elastichas a load at 150% elongation of about 780 to about 2230 grams force. Insome embodiments, the waist elastic has a load at 200% elongation ofabout 1100 to about 9500 grams force. In some embodiments, the waistelastic has a load to elongation profile in the range between Profile 1and Profile 2, in the range between Profile 1 and Profile 3, and in therange between Profile 2 and Profile 3 as summarized in Table 3. In someembodiments, the waist elastic has a load to elongation profile at thevalues of Profile 2 as summarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Waist Elastic Load (gram force per 1 inch width) and Elongation20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 150% 200% 250% Profile 1 139.7 234.9 326.9 415.5513.3 779.4 1108.0 1941.5 Profile 2 357.4 506.3 634.2 779.4 951.1 1541.92891.9 9249.5 Profile 3 282.4 456.0 641.9 860.9 1128.5 2229.9 9585.725883.1

In some embodiments, the leg elastic is able to extend in the transversedirection to at least 200%. In some embodiments, the leg elastic isadapted to have sufficient retractive force in the transverse directionto hold the pant securely against the body both at initial donning andafter insult. In some embodiments, the leg elastic is adapted to havesufficient retractive force over the extension range of about 100% toabout 200%. The load to elongation profile of the leg elastic can bedetermined by using the Strip Tensile Test described herein using a ½″by 7″ sample. In various embodiments, the leg elastic has a load at 100%elongation of about 230 to about 500 grams force per ½″ width. In someembodiments, the leg elastic has a load at 150% elongation of about 380to about 1800 grams force per ½″ width. In some embodiments, the legelastic has a load at 200% elongation of about 560 to about 14,250 gramsforce per ½″ width. In some embodiments, the leg elastic has a load toelongation profile between Profile 1 and Profile 2, between Profile 1and Profile 3, and between Profile 2 and Profile 3 as summarized inTable 4. In some embodiments, the leg elastic has a load to elongationprofile at the values of Profile 2 as summarized in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Leg Elastic Load (gram force per ½ inch width) and Elongation20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 150% 200% 250% Profile 51.9 97.2 145.0 188.2 239.0380.0 568.1 1078.3 1 Profile 113.9 209.1 295.8 382.4 486.2 950.8 2754.07436.8 2 Profile 109.1 187.7 272.2 373.1 503.4 1828.9 14240.7 20674.0 3

The transition materials may be made of any suitable material orcombination of materials. In various embodiments, the transitionmaterials of the present invention may be made of cotton, cotton blends,nylon, nylon blends, polyester, polyester blends, rayon, rayon blends,spandex, and the like and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, thetransition materials may be a blend of nylon and spandex. For example,the transition materials may be 80% nylon and 20% spandex material. Insome embodiments, the transition materials may be a cotton fabricblended with spandex. For example, the transition materials may becotton fabric having 12% to 25%, 15% to 22%, or about 20% spandex. Thus,in some embodiments, the transition materials may be 80% cotton and 20%spandex. In other embodiments, the transition materials may be apolyester fabric blended with spandex. In these embodiments, thepolyester fabric may have 8% to 16%, 10% to 15%, or about 14% spandex.Thus, in some embodiments, the transition materials may be 86% polyesterand 14% spandex.

In some embodiments, the first transition is made of a first materialand the second transition is made of the same first material. In otherembodiments, the first transition is made of a first material and thesecond transition is made of a second material that is different thanthe first material. In various embodiments, the first transition and/orthe second transition may be elastically extensible in one or moredirections. For example, in some embodiments, both the first transitionand the second transition are elastically extensible in the longitudinaldirection and the transverse direction.

In some embodiments, the transition materials are able to extend in thetransverse direction to at least 250%. Additionally, in someembodiments, the transition materials are adapted to have sufficientretractive force in the transverse direction to hold the sling securelyagainst the body both at initial donning and after insult. In someembodiments, the transition materials are adapted to have sufficientretractive force in the transverse direction over the extension range ofabout 100% to about 250%. The load to elongation profile of thetransition materials can be determined by using the Strip Tensile Testdescribed herein using a 3″ by 7″ sample.

In some embodiments, the transition materials have a retractive force inthe transverse direction from about 750 grams force per 3 inch width at100% elongation to about 27,500 grams force per 3 inch width at 250%elongation. In various embodiments, the transition materials have aretractive force less than about 1,500 grams per 3 inch width at 80%elongation in the transverse direction. In some embodiments, thetransition materials have a load at 150% elongation in the transversedirection of about 1,100 to about 7,000 grams force per 3 inch width. Insome embodiments, the transition materials have a load at 250%elongation in the transverse direction of about 2,000 to about 27,500grams force per 3 inch width. In some embodiments, the transitionmaterials have a load to elongation profile in the transverse directionbetween Profile 1 and Profile 2, between Profile 1 and Profile 3, andbetween Profile 2 and Profile 3 as summarized in Table 5. In someembodiments, the transition materials have a load to elongation profilein the transverse direction at the values summarized for Profile 2 inTable 5.

TABLE 5 Transition Material Load (gram force per 3 inch width) andElongation - Transverse Direction 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 150% 200% 250%Profile 1 174.2 311.0 446.3 591.3 747.9 1108.5 1480.2 2074.7 Profile 2356.1 770.9 1118.2 1479.8 1895.8 3132.9 5293.3 10733.1 Profile 3 142.1365.1 636.6 1035.1 1656.7 6867.6 21506.6 27508.9

In some embodiments, the transition materials are able to extend in thelongitudinal direction to at least 150%. In some embodiments, thetransition materials are adapted to have sufficient retractive force inthe longitudinal direction to hold the sling securely against the bodyboth at initial donning and after insult. In some embodiments, thetransition materials are adapted to have sufficient retractive force inthe longitudinal direction over the extension range of about 80% toabout 150%. Thus, in some embodiments, the transition materials have aretractive force in the longitudinal direction from about 850 gramsforce per 3 inch width at 80% elongation to about 21,250 grams force per3 inch width at 150% elongation. In various embodiments, the transitionmaterials have a load at 80% elongation in the longitudinal direction ofless than about 2,100 grams force per 3 inch width. In some embodiments,the transition materials have a load at 150% elongation in thelongitudinal direction of about 2,000 to about 21,250 grams force per 3inch width. In some embodiments, the transition materials have a load toelongation profile in the longitudinal direction between Profile 1 andProfile 2, between Profile 1 and Profile 3, and between Profile 2 andProfile 3 as summarized in Table 6. In some embodiments, the transitionmaterials have a load to elongation profile in the longitudinaldirection at the values of Profile 2, summarized in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Transition Material Load (gram force per 3 inch width) andElongation - Longitudinal Direction 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 150% 200% 250%Profile 1 232.5 435.6 628.6 849.5 1103.7 2083.7 4888.1 12795.3 Profile 2109.4 292.2 542.9 918.4 1507.1 4117.7 9950.9 18660.1 Profile 3 163.0472.5 993.7 2067.6 4941.2 21249.1 37634.7 34704.3

In some embodiments, the first transition defines a first transitionwidth as measured in the transverse direction and a first transitionlength as measured in the longitudinal direction. Likewise, the secondtransition defines a second transition width as measured in thetransverse direction and a second transition length as measured in thelongitudinal direction. For example, referring again to FIG. 17, thefirst transition 108 defines a first transition width 109 and a firsttransition length 107. Likewise, the second transition 110 defines asecond transition width 111 and a second transition length 113. Invarious embodiments, the first transition width may be the same as thesecond transition width. In other embodiments, the first transitionwidth may be less than the second transition width. In otherembodiments, the first transition width may be greater than the secondtransition width. In some embodiments, the first transition width may be100 to 125 mm and the second transition width may be 170 to 200 mm. Insome embodiments, the first transition width may be about 114 mm and thesecond transition width may be about 185 mm.

In various embodiments, the slings of the present invention may includeonly a first transition or only a second transition. In variousembodiments, the slings of the present invention may include both afirst transition and a second transition. The first transition or secondtransition may be positioned in the front waist region or the back waistregion in any of the embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the base sheet may be made of any suitable materialor combination of materials. In some embodiments, the base sheet may bemade of polyester, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, or thelike, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the base sheet maybe a woven polyester fabric laminated with polyurethane. In someembodiments, the base sheet may be 55% polyester and 45% polyurethane byweight. In some embodiments, the base sheet may be a woven polyesterfabric laminated with a polyurethane layer. In various embodiments, thepolyurethane layer may have any suitable thickness. For example, thepolyurethane layer may have a 1 mm thickness. In various embodiments,the woven polyester fabric may be laminated with a polyurethane layerusing any suitable joining means. For example, the polyurethane layerand the polyester fabric may be laminated together using adhesive,thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, and the like, and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the base sheet may be a woven polyesterfabric adhesively laminated to a polyurethane layer having a thicknessof 1 mm.

In various embodiments, the base sheet may be elastically extensible inone or more directions. For example, in some embodiments, the base sheetmay be elastically extensible in the longitudinal direction and/or thetransverse direction. In other embodiments, the base sheet may benon-extensible in one or more directions.

In various embodiments, the base sheet may have any suitable shape. Insome embodiments the base sheet may be rectangular or non-rectangular.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the base sheet 56 may have acurvilinear shape wherein the base sheet defines a first portion 76, asecond portion 78, and a third portion 80. In the illustratedembodiment, the first portion 76 has curvilinear side edges and amaximum width that is greater than the maximum width of the secondportion 78. Additionally, the third portion 80 has curvilinear sideedges and a maximum width that is greater than the maximum width of thesecond portion 78. The second portion 78 has relatively straight andparallel side edges.

In another example, illustrated in FIG. 17, the base sheet 106 may havea curvilinear shape wherein the base sheet defines a first portion 126,a second portion 128, and a third portion 130. In the illustratedembodiment, the first portion 126 has curvilinear side edges and amaximum width that is greater than the maximum width of the secondportion 128. Additionally, the third portion 130 has curvilinear sideedges and a maximum width that is greater than the maximum width of thesecond portion 128. The second portion 128 has relatively straight andparallel side edges except for the tab 96 which is a distinct projectionof the base sheet 106.

In another example, illustrated in FIG. 23, the base sheet 154 may havea curvilinear shape wherein the base sheet defines a first portion 190,a second portion 191, and a third portion 198. In the illustratedembodiment, the first portion 190 has curvilinear side edges and amaximum width that is greater than the maximum width of the secondportion 191. Additionally, the third portion 198 has curvilinear sideedges and a maximum width that is greater than the maximum width of thesecond portion 191. The second portion 191 has relatively straight andparallel side edges.

In another example, illustrated in FIG. 28, the base sheet 338 may havea curvilinear shape wherein the base sheet defines a first portion 366,a second portion 367, and a third portion 368. In the illustratedembodiment, the first portion 366 has curvilinear side edges and amaximum width that is greater than the maximum width of the secondportion 367. Additionally, the third portion 368 has curvilinear sideedges and a maximum width that is greater than the maximum width of thesecond portion 367. The second portion 367 has relatively straight andparallel side edges.

In some embodiments, the containment flap material may be made of anysuitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, thecontainment flap material may be made of polyester, polyurethane,polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, the containment flap material may be a woven polyesterfabric laminated with polyurethane. In some embodiments, the containmentflap material may be 55% polyester and 45% polyurethane by weight. Insome embodiments, the containment flap material may be a woven polyesterfabric laminated with a polyurethane layer. In various embodiments, thepolyurethane layer may have any suitable thickness. For example, thepolyurethane layer may have a 1 mm thickness. In various embodiments,the woven polyester fabric may be laminated with a polyurethane layerusing any suitable joining means. For example, the polyurethane layerand the polyester fabric may be laminated together using adhesive,thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, and the like, and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the containment flap material may be awoven polyester fabric adhesively laminated to a polyurethane layerhaving a thickness of 1 mm.

In various embodiments, the containment flap material may be elasticallyextensible in one or more directions. For example, in some embodiments,the containment flap material may be elastically extensible in thelongitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction. In otherembodiments, the containment flap material may be non-extensible in oneor more directions.

The flap elastic can be formed of any suitable elastic material. As iswell known to those skilled in the art, suitable elastic materialsinclude sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber,or thermoplastic elastomeric polymers. The flap elastic can be stretchedand adhered to the containment flap, adhered to a gathered containmentflap, or adhered to a containment flap and then elasticized or shrunksuch that elastic retractive forces are imparted to the containmentflap. In some embodiments, the flap elastic may be made of nylon,spandex, polyester, cotton, rayon, and the like, and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the flap elastic may be a blend of nylonand spandex. For example, in some embodiments, the flap elastic may be91% nylon and 9% spandex.

In some embodiments, the flap elastic may be a low tensionfold-over-elastic. This type of flap elastic is believed to reduce theamount of gathers and potential irritation points in the containmentflaps. Additionally, this type of flap elastic has a flatter profile andis believed to be more comfortable and provide more surface contact withthe wearer's skin for a better gasket against the body.

In some embodiments, the flap elastic may be joined with the containmentflap to define a finished flap tension. In various embodiments, thefinished flap tension may be generally uniform along the entire lengthof the containment flap. In other embodiments, the finished flap tensionmay be variable along the length of the containment flap. For example,in some embodiments, the finished flap tension may be higher near thecrotch region of the containment pant and may be lower near the frontwaist region and/or the back waist region.

Referring again to FIG. 28, the first side containment flap 330 and thesecond side containment flap 332 define a distal edge 343 and a distaledge length 347. In various embodiments, the containment flap elastic345 (not illustrated in FIG. 28) may be applied at variable tensionalong the length 347 of the flaps 330 and 332. In some embodiments, thecontainment flap elastic 345 may be applied to define a first tensionzone 380, a second tension zone 381, and a third tension zone 382. Invarious embodiments, the elastic tension in the second tension zone 381may be greater than the elastic tension in the first tension zone 380and may be greater than the elastic tension in the third tension zone382. In some embodiments, the elastic tension in the first tension zone380 may be the same as the elastic tension in the third tension zone382.

For example, in one embodiment, the containment flap relaxed length 347may be 390 mm and the containment flap elastic 345 may have a relaxedlength of 260 mm. The flap elastic 345 may be applied relaxed (i.e., noelongation) along the first 38 mm of the distal edge 343 to define thefirst tension zone 380. The elastic 345 may be applied at an elongationof 89% along the next 276 mm of the distal edge 343 to define the secondtension zone 381. In other words, 146 mm of relaxed elastic 345 isstretched to 276 mm and then applied to the distal edge 343 in thesecond tension zone 381. Finally, the elastic 345 may be applied relaxedalong the final 76 mm of the distal edge 343 to define the third tensionzone 382.

In another embodiment, the containment flap relaxed length 347 may be414 mm and the containment flap elastic 345 may have a relaxed length of273 mm. The flap elastic 345 may be applied relaxed (i.e., noelongation) along the first 38 mm of the distal edge 343 to define thefirst tension zone 380. The elastic 345 may be applied at an elongationof 85% along the next 300 mm of the distal edge 343 to define the secondtension zone 381. In other words, 162 mm of relaxed elastic 345 isstretched to 300 mm and then applied to the distal edge 343 in thesecond tension zone 381. Finally, the elastic 345 may be applied relaxedalong the final 76 mm of the distal edge 343 to define the third tensionzone 382.

In various embodiments, the containment flap elastic 345 may be appliedin the second tension zone 381 at 0 to 200% elongation, 50 to 150%elongation, or about 70 to 90% elongation. In various embodiments, thecontainment flap elastic 345 may be applied in the first tension zone380 and/or the third tension zone 382 at 0 to 150% elongation.

In various embodiments, at least one of the materials of the containmentpant is treated to be more fluid impervious. For example, in any of theembodiments described herein, at least one of the shell, waist elastic,leg elastic, transitions, base sheet, containment flaps, containmentflap elastic, and thread are treated to be more fluid impervious. Invarious embodiments, the treatment may include coating the materials inany suitable manner using a durable water resistant treatment. In someembodiments, the durable water resistant treatment may include a polymercoating. In some embodiments, the base sheet and/or the containmentflaps may include a fabric laminated with polyurethane wherein thefabric side of the base sheet is treated with a durable water resistanttreatment. In some embodiments, the base sheet and the containment flapsmay be made from a woven polyester fabric treated with a durable waterresistant treatment and laminated with a polyurethane sheet. In someembodiments, the thread used to join the containment flap elastic to thecontainment flaps may be treated with a durable water resistanttreatment.

In some embodiments, the containment pants of the present invention maybe adapted to fit a wide range of sizes. In some embodiments, anexemplary containment pant may be adapted to fit children weighingbetween 38 and 65 pounds. In some embodiments, an exemplary containmentpant may be adapted to fit children weighing between 60 and 120 pounds.To facilitate such a wide range of weight and maintain proper fit, thecontainment pants of the present invention may be adapted in the waist,hip, and/or legs to extend up to about 100% while still providingsufficient retractive force to hold the pants securely against the bodyat donning, during use, and after insult.

To measure the force-elongation profile of the containment pants, thefollowing apparatus and procedures are used. The apparatus 388 isillustrated in FIGS. 32-34 and includes a constant rate of extensiontensile tester 390. The tensile tester 390 includes a load cell 391, anupper peg 394, a lower peg 396, an upper fixture 398, and a lowerfixture 400. A test pant 392 is placed on the upper peg 394 and thelower peg 396 in various configurations. The test pant 392 is extendedin the direction 399 and the load is measured at various extensionsand/or circumferences.

In a first configuration, the test pant 392 is positioned on the upperpeg 394 and the lower peg 396 as generally illustrated in FIG. 32. Inthis configuration, the test pant 392 is positioned to measure the“whole pant waist tension”. For this test, the upper peg 394 and thelower peg 396 have a circumference of 62 mm, a length of 70 mm, and aremade from a rigid polymeric material having a smooth surface. In thisconfiguration, the upper peg 394 and the lower peg 396 are insertedthrough the waist opening 393 of the test pant 392 only to the extentnecessary to span the waist elastic 386.

In a second configuration, the test pant 392 is positioned on the upperpeg 394 and the lower peg 396 as illustrated in FIG. 33. In thisconfiguration, the test pant 392 is positioned to measure the “wholepant hip tension”. For this test, the upper peg 394 and the lower peg396 have a circumference of 78.5 mm, a length of 130 mm, and are madefrom a rigid polymeric material having a smooth surface. In thisconfiguration, the upper peg 394 and the lower peg 396 are insertedthrough the waist opening 393 of the test pant 392 and extend from theleg openings 395. The portions of the test pant 392 in contact with theupper and lower pegs 394 and 396 are centered on the respective peg.

In a third configuration, the test pant 392 is positioned on the upperpeg 394 and the lower peg 396 as illustrated in FIG. 34. In thisconfiguration, the test pant 392 is positioned to measure the “wholepant leg tension”. For this test, the upper peg 394 and the lower peg396 have a circumference of 62 mm, a length of 70 mm, and are made froma rigid polymeric material having a smooth surface. In thisconfiguration, the upper peg 394 and the lower peg 396 are insertedthrough the leg opening 395 of the test pant 392 to a depth of 1 inch.

In each of these configurations, the upper peg 394 and the lower peg 396are free to rotate about the axis 397. Before testing, the test pant 392is hung from the upper peg 394 to account for the force of the test pantand thus “zero” the load cell. The gauge length is selected for thewaist opening or leg opening being tested so as to provide a tension ofless than 50 grams prior to the start of the test. The upper peg 394 andthe lower peg 396 are separated until a load of 50 grams tension isattained and the gauge length is recorded and the percent elongation isdefined as zero. The upper peg 394 and the lower peg 396 are moved apartat a crosshead speed of 508 mm/min and tensions at various gauge lengthsare recorded and percent elongation is calculated. The circumference ofthe test pant 392 is calculated as two times the gauge length plus ½ thecircumference of the upper peg 394 plus ½ the circumference of the lowerpeg 396.

The tensile tester 390 may be any suitable constant rate of extensiontensile tester such as the MTS tensile tester model Synergie 200 TestBed which is available from MTS(R) Systems Corporation, ResearchTriangle Park, N.C. USA. The tensile tester includes suitable load cellsselected so the majority of the peak load values fall between themanufacturer's recommended ranges of the load cell's full scale value.

The test procedure is conducted in standard ASTM laboratory conditions:atmosphere of 23+−2[deg.] C. (73.4+−3.6[deg.] F.) and 50+−5% relativehumidity. The test pants are measured after equilibration to laboratoryconditions.

The whole pant waist tension, whole pant hip tension, and whole pant legtension were measured for several different test pants using the testmethod described above. The results of these tests are summarized belowin Tables 7, 8, and 9. The pants included Code A, which is an exemplarypant of the present invention adapted for females in the weight range of38 to 65 pounds. Code B is an exemplary pant of the present inventionadapted for males in the weight range of 38 to 65 pounds. Code C is anexemplary pant of the present invention adapted for females in theweight range of 60 to 120 pounds. Code D is an exemplary pant of thepresent invention adapted for males in the weight range of 60 to 120pounds.

Tables 7, 8, and 9 summarize the force in grams (rounded to the nearestgram) at various circumferences as measured in mm. The percentelongation is calculated as the difference between the circumference ata given tension and the circumference at 50 grams force divided by thecircumference at 50 gram force. Each value represents the averagemeasurements of 3 pants. This data is graphically represented in FIGS.40-45.

TABLE 7 Whole Pant - Waist Tension A Force (g)  50 107 618 746 837 9081004  1079 1187 1330 Circ. (mm) 425 451 501 531 551 565 585  601  621 645 Elongation 0% 6% 18% 25% 30% 33% 38% 41% 46% 52% B Force (g)  50437 712 836 925 1044  1131  1261 1433 Circ. (mm) 457 501 531 551 565 585601  621  645 Elongation 0% 10%  16% 21% 24% 28% 32% 36% 41% C Force (g) 50 397 533 649 723 828 970 1263 1336 1581 Circ. (mm) 533 551 565 585601 621 645  691  701  731 Elongation 0% 3%  6% 10% 13% 17% 21% 30% 32%37% D Force (g)  50 208 423 580 716 807 927 1084 1407 1492 1772 Circ.(mm) 511 531 551 565 585 601 621  645  691  701  731 Elongation 0% 4% 8% 11% 14% 18% 22% 26% 35% 37% 43%

TABLE 8 Whole Pant - Hip Tension A Force (g)  50 264 669 912 1233  13291475 1830 2325 2563 Circ. (mm) 427 451 495 531 565  575  591  625  671 691 Elongation 0% 6% 16% 24% 32% 35% 38% 46% 57% 62% B Force (g)  50591 1084  1509  1634  1828 2307 2997 3335 Circ. (mm) 451 495 531 565 575 591  625  671  691 Elongation 0% 10%  18% 25% 27% 31% 39% 49% 53% CForce (g)  50 392 724 816 965 1339 1883 2155 2762 3013 3741 4338 46555567 Circ. (mm) 499 531 565 575 591  625  671  691  731  745  785  815 831  871 Elongation 0% 6% 13% 15% 18% 25% 34% 38% 46% 49% 57% 63% 67%75% D Force (g)  50 244 806 934 1122  1576 2234 2560 3283 3578 4435 51385522 6682 Circ. (mm) 503 531 565 575 591  625  671  691  731  745  785 815  831  871 Elongation 0% 6% 12% 14% 17% 24% 33% 37% 45% 48% 56% 62%65% 73%

TABLE 9 Whole Pant - Leg Tension A Force (g/in)  50 137 207 299 408 539651 Circ. (mm) 339 355 380 400 425 455 480 Elongation 0% 5% 12% 18% 25%34% 42% B Force (g/in)  50 158 288 393 521 681 826 Circ. (mm) 333 355380 400 425 455 480 Elongation 0% 7% 14% 20% 28% 37% 44% C Force (g/in) 50 111 244 410 564 693 830 1032  1186 3432 4888 Circ. (mm) 385 400 425455 480 500 520 550  570  720  760 Elongation 0% 4% 10% 18% 25% 30% 35%43% 48% 87% 97% D Force (g/in)  50  70 225 364 491 619 827 983 2817 3828Circ. (mm) 419 425 455 480 500 520 550 570  720  760 Elongation 0% 1% 9% 15% 19% 24% 31% 36% 72% 81%

The various containment pants of the present invention are adapted toreceive and support a discrete absorbent insert. As used herein, theterm “discrete absorbent insert” refers to a self-contained absorbentstructure that is adapted for insertion and removal from a pant withouttearing, breaking, or otherwise damaging the self-contained absorbentstructure or the pant. In some embodiments, the absorbent insert has arelatively high capacity adapted for enuretic children and/or for useovernight. In various embodiments, the pants of the present inventionare devoid of an integrated absorbent core. As used herein, the term“integrated absorbent core” refers to a mass of fibers, particulate,foam, or the like, or combinations thereof having an absorbent capacityof at least 5 g/g and being contained within a pant and not beingadapted for removal from the pant without tearing, breaking, orotherwise damaging the pant and/or the absorbent core. Suitableabsorbent inserts are also described in patent application U.S. Ser. No.13/548,000, entitled “Absorbent Insert”, filed on Jul. 12, 2012, theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, a first exemplary absorbent insert 230is representatively illustrated. FIG. 35 is a top plan view of theabsorbent insert 230 with portions cut away to better illustrateunderlying structure. FIG. 36 is an expanded cross-sectional view of theabsorbent insert of FIG. 35 taken along the line C-C. The absorbentinsert 230 defines a longitudinal-direction 48, a relatively shorter,transverse direction 50, and a thickness direction 49. The transversedirection extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,and the thickness or z-direction extends generally perpendicular to boththe longitudinal-direction and transverse direction.

The absorbent insert 230 includes a first sheet 232 and a second sheet234 in facing relation with the first sheet 232. The absorbent insert230 also includes an absorbent core 236 positioned between the firstsheet 232 and the second sheet 234. FIG. 37 is a top plan view of theabsorbent core 236 removed from the absorbent insert 230 of FIG. 35 tobetter illustrate detail. The absorbent core 236 defines a coreperimeter 238, and the first sheet 232 and the second sheet 234 extendbeyond the core perimeter 238, and are joined together to form aperimeter seal 240. The outer extent of the first sheet 232 and/or thesecond sheet 234 defines the absorbent insert perimeter 239. Theabsorbent insert perimeter 239 in turn defines an absorbent insert area269.

The absorbent insert 230 defines an absorbent insert width 266 and anabsorbent insert length 268. The absorbent insert 230 defines a firstend section 270, a second end section 272, and a central section 274 inthe longitudinal direction 48. The central section 274 extends betweenthe first end section 270 and the second end section 272. The first endsection 270 defines a first end section width 276 and a first endsection length 278. The second end section 272 defines a second endsection width 280 and a second end section length 282. The centralsection 274 defines a central section width 284 and a central sectionlength 286. The first end section length 278 plus the second end sectionlength 282 plus the central section length 286 equals the absorbentinsert length 268. The widths of the various sections are measured inthe transverse direction 50 and the lengths of the various sections aremeasured in the longitudinal direction 48.

Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, another exemplary absorbent insert 244is representatively illustrated. FIG. 38 is a top plan view of theabsorbent insert 244 with portions cut away to better illustrateunderlying structure. FIG. 39 is an expanded cross-sectional view of theabsorbent insert of FIG. 38 taken along the line D-D. The absorbentinsert 244 includes a first sheet 232 and a second sheet 234 in facingrelation with the first sheet 232. The absorbent insert 244 alsoincludes an absorbent core 248 positioned between the first sheet 232and the second sheet 234. The absorbent core 248 defines a coreperimeter 238 and the first sheet and the second sheet extend beyond thecore perimeter 238 and are joined together to form a perimeter seal 240.The outer extent of the first sheet 232 and/or the second sheet 234defines the absorbent insert perimeter which in turn defines anabsorbent insert area. The absorbent insert 244 also includes a firstintake material 242 positioned between the absorbent core 248 and thefirst sheet 232 and a second intake material 246 positioned between theabsorbent core 248 and the second sheet 234.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more of the absorbentinserts and/or one or more of the absorbent cores may further includeone or more positioning notches. As used herein, the term “positioningnotch” refers to any physical structure created within an absorbentinsert and/or absorbent core that is adapted to engage and align with apositioning key and that is adapted to at least partially surroundportions of the positioning key when the absorbent insert is placedwithin a pouch. The positioning notches are believed to aid alignment ofthe discrete absorbent insert with the pouch during insertion of theabsorbent insert into the pouch. Additionally, the positioning notchesare believed to minimize shifting of the absorbent insert relative tothe fluid impervious pouch after insertion and during use.

In various embodiments the positioning notches may be open or closed. Asused herein, the term “open” refers to an absorbent core positioningnotch or an absorbent insert positioning notch that defines a volumethat is adapted to engage a positioning key without tearing, cutting,ripping, or otherwise separating portions of the respective absorbentinsert or absorbent core prior to engagement with a positioning key. Incomparison, the term “closed” refers to an absorbent core positioningnotch or an absorbent insert positioning notch that requires tearing,cutting, ripping, or otherwise separating portions of the respectiveabsorbent insert or absorbent core prior to engagement with apositioning key. For example, a line of weakness may be adapted to betorn prior to engagement with a positioning key.

Referring now to FIGS. 52, 53, and 54, another exemplary absorbentinsert 460 is representatively illustrated. FIG. 52 is a top plan viewof the absorbent insert 460 with portions cut away to better illustrateunderlying structure. FIG. 53 is an expanded cross-sectional view of theabsorbent insert of FIG. 52 taken along the line E-E. FIG. 54 is anexpanded cross-sectional view of the absorbent insert of FIG. 52 takenalong the line F-F. The absorbent insert 460 is similar in constructionto the absorbent insert 230 in FIG. 35 but with the addition of a firstabsorbent insert positioning notch 462, a first absorbent corepositioning notch 464, a second absorbent insert positioning notch 466,and a second absorbent core positioning notch 468. In variousembodiments, one or more of these exemplary open positioning notches maybe incorporated into any of the absorbent inserts described herein.

The absorbent insert 460 includes a first sheet 470 and a second sheet472 in facing relation with the first sheet 470. The absorbent insert460 also includes an absorbent core 474 positioned between the firstsheet 470 and the second sheet 472. The absorbent core 474 defines acore perimeter 476. The first sheet 470 and the second sheet 472 extendbeyond the core perimeter 476 and are joined together to form aperimeter seal 478. The outer extent of the first sheet 470 and/or thesecond sheet 472 defines an absorbent insert perimeter 480. Theabsorbent insert perimeter 480 in turn defines an absorbent insert area.

The absorbent insert 460 also defines an absorbent insert width, anabsorbent insert length, a first end section, a second end section, acentral section, a first end section width, a first end section length,a second end section width, a second end section length, a centralsection width, and a central section length, all similar to theabsorbent insert 230 of FIG. 35.

Referring now to FIG. 55, another exemplary absorbent insert 490 isrepresentatively illustrated. The absorbent insert 490 is similar inconstruction to the absorbent insert 230 in FIG. 35 but with theaddition of a first absorbent insert positioning notch 492, a firstabsorbent core positioning notch 494, a second absorbent insertpositioning notch 496, and a second absorbent core positioning notch498. In various embodiments, one or more of these exemplary openpositioning notches may be incorporated into any of the absorbentinserts described herein.

The absorbent insert 490 includes a first sheet 500 and a second sheet502 in facing relation with the first sheet 500. The absorbent insert490 also includes an absorbent core 504 positioned between the firstsheet 500 and the second sheet 502. The absorbent core 504 defines acore perimeter 506. The first sheet 500 and the second sheet 502 extendbeyond the core perimeter 506 and are joined together to form aperimeter seal 508. The outer extent of the first sheet 500 and/or thesecond sheet 502 defines an absorbent insert perimeter 510. Theabsorbent insert perimeter 510 in turn defines an absorbent insert area.

The absorbent insert 490 also defines an absorbent insert width, anabsorbent insert length, a first end section, a second end section, acentral section, a first end section width, a first end section length,a second end section width, a second end section length, a centralsection width, and a central section length, all similar to theabsorbent insert 230 of FIG. 35.

Referring now to FIG. 56, another exemplary absorbent insert 520 isrepresentatively illustrated with portions cut away to better illustrateunderlying structure.

FIG. 57 is an expanded cross-sectional view of the absorbent insert ofFIG. 56 taken along the line G-G. The absorbent insert 520 is similar inconstruction to the absorbent insert 230 in FIG. 35 but with theaddition of a first absorbent insert positioning notch 522, a firstabsorbent core positioning notch 524, a second absorbent insertpositioning notch 526, and a second absorbent core positioning notch528. In this embodiment, the absorbent insert 520 includes a combinationof open notches and closed notches. Specifically, the first absorbentcore positioning notch 524 and the second absorbent core positioningnotch 526 are illustrated as open notches and the first absorbent insertpositioning notch 522 and the second absorbent insert positioning notch526 are illustrated as closed notches having lines of weakness 542. Thelines of weakness 542 may be perforations, score lines, thermallyweakened lines, or similar lines of weakness, or combinations thereof,that allow the absorbent insert 520 to be separated. In variousembodiments, one or more of these exemplary positioning notches may beincorporated into any of the absorbent inserts described herein.

The absorbent insert 520 includes a first sheet 530 and a second sheet532 in facing relation with the first sheet 530. The absorbent insert520 also includes an absorbent core 534 positioned between the firstsheet 530 and the second sheet 532. The absorbent core 534 defines acore perimeter 536. The first sheet 530 and the second sheet 532 extendbeyond the core perimeter 536 and are joined together to form aperimeter seal 538. The outer extent of the first sheet 530 and/or thesecond sheet 532 defines an absorbent insert perimeter 540. Theabsorbent insert perimeter 540 in turn defines an absorbent insert area.

The absorbent insert 520 also defines an absorbent insert width, anabsorbent insert length, a first end section, a second end section, acentral section, a first end section width, a first end section length,a second end section width, a second end section length, a centralsection width, and a central section length, all similar to theabsorbent insert 230 of FIG. 35.

In various embodiments, the positioning notches may have any suitablewidth and any suitable depth. In general, the width of a respectivepositioning notch is the maximum dimension that can be spanned in thetransverse direction without deforming the positioning notch. Likewise,the depth of a respective positioning notch is the maximum dimensionthat can be inserted in the longitudinal direction without deforming thepositioning notch.

For example, referring again to FIG. 52, an absorbent insert positioningnotch depth 548 is measured in the longitudinal direction 48 from aleading edge 552 of the absorbent insert positioning notch 466 to atrailing edge 554 of the absorbent insert positioning notch 466 asrepresentatively illustrated. Likewise, the absorbent core positioningnotch depth 550 is measured from a leading edge 556 of the absorbentcore positioning notch 468 to a trailing edge 558 of the absorbent corepositioning notch 468. In various embodiments, the absorbent insertpositioning notch depth may be 30 to 60 mm, 35 to 50 mm, or about 43 mm.In various embodiments, the absorbent core positioning notch depth maybe 30 to 60 mm, 35 to 50 mm, or about 43 mm. In various embodiments, theabsorbent core positioning notch depth may be greater than, less than,or equal to the absorbent insert positioning notch depth.

Still referring to FIG. 52, an absorbent insert positioning notch width544 is measured in the transverse direction 50 from one side of theabsorbent insert positioning notch to the other side of the absorbentinsert positioning notch as representatively illustrated. Likewise, theabsorbent core positioning notch width 546 is measured from one side ofthe absorbent core positioning notch to the other side of the absorbentcore positioning notch. In various embodiments the absorbent insertpositioning notch width 544 and/or the absorbent core positioning notchwidth 546 may vary significantly as measured along the depth of therespective positioning notch as illustrated in FIG. 55. In otherembodiments, the absorbent insert positioning notch width 544 and/or theabsorbent core positioning notch width 546 may vary gradually asmeasured along the depth of the respective positioning notch asillustrated in FIG. 52. As such, in some embodiments, the width of apositioning notch may be characterized by the measurement at 50% therespective notch depth. In various embodiments, the absorbent insertpositioning notch width at 50% the absorbent insert positioning notchdepth may be 1 to 15 mm, 5 to 10 mm, or about 7 mm. In variousembodiments, the absorbent core positioning notch width at 50% theabsorbent core positioning notch depth may be 10 to 25 mm, 15 to 20 mm,or about 17 mm.

In embodiments having an absorbent core positioning notch, the absorbentcore width is separated by the absorbent core positioning notch todefine a first sub-width and a second sub-width. The sub-widths aremeasured in the transverse direction from an absorbent core perimeter toan absorbent core positioning notch perimeter. In general, therespective sub-widths are the minimum dimension that can span therespective sub-widths without deforming the absorbent core. For example,referring again to FIG. 52, the exemplary absorbent insert 460 has anabsorbent core width 288 that is separated by the absorbent corepositioning notch 464 to define a first sub-width 560 and a secondsub-width 562. The first sub-width 560 is measured in the transversedirection 50 from the absorbent core perimeter 476 to the absorbent corepositioning notch perimeter 564. Likewise, the second sub-width 562 ismeasured in the transverse direction 50 from the absorbent corepositioning notch perimeter 564 to the absorbent core perimeter 476. Inembodiments, having multiple absorbent core positioning notches, therespective absorbent core widths may be separated to define a thirdsub-width, a fourth sub-width, etc. In various embodiments, thesub-widths may be 60 to 90 mm, 70 to 80 mm, or about 70 mm. In someembodiments, a first sub-width may be 90 to 110% of a second sub-width.In some embodiments, the first sub-width may be about 100% the secondsub-width. In these embodiments, the absorbent core positioning notch isessentially centered within the absorbent core in the transversedirection.

In an embodiment adapted for use by a child weighing 60 to 120 pounds,any of the absorbent inserts described herein may have an absorbentinsert length of 425 to 475 mm, or 430 to 450 mm, or about 440 mm. In anembodiment adapted for use by a child weighing 38 to 65 pounds, any ofthe absorbent inserts described herein may have an absorbent insertlength of 375 to 425 mm, 390 to 410 mm, or about 400 mm. In variousembodiments, the first end section length may equal the central sectionlength which may equal the second end section length. In otherembodiments, the first end section length may equal the second endsection length and the central section length may be different. Forexample, the first end section length may be about 35% the absorbentinsert length, the second end section length may be about 35% theabsorbent insert length, and the central section length may be about 30%the absorbent insert length. In another example, the first end sectionlength may be about 30% the absorbent insert length, the second endsection length may be about 30% the absorbent insert length, and thecentral section length may be about 40% the absorbent insert length.

In various embodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described hereinmay have a width that varies at different points along the longitudinaldirection. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 35, the absorbent insert230 has a variable width at different points along the longitudinaldirection. In this embodiment, the first end section 270 and the secondend section 272 have a maximum width that is greater than the maximumwidth of the central section 274. For example, in some embodiments, thefirst end section and the second end section may have a maximum width ofabout 160 to 210 mm, 170 to 200 mm, 180 to 190 mm or about 186 mm. Inthese embodiments, the central section may have a maximum width of about90 to 130 mm, about 100 to 120 mm, or about 114 mm.

In various embodiments, the first end section, the second end section,and/or the central section may have a variable width at different pointsalong the longitudinal direction or may have a consistent width atdifferent points along the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments,the first end section and the second end section may have variable widthat different points along the longitudinal direction and the centralsection may have a consistent width at different points along thelongitudinal direction as illustrated in FIG. 35. In some embodiments,the first end section and the second end section may have a width thatvaries from 186 mm at the maximum to 114 mm at the minimum. In theseembodiments, the central section may have a consistent width of about114 mm.

In some embodiments, and exemplified in FIG. 35, the absorbent insertdefines a first reference width 316 measured at ⅛ the absorbent insertlength 268, a second reference width 317 measured at ½ the absorbentinsert length 268, and a third reference width 318 measured at ⅞ theabsorbent insert length 268. In some embodiments, the first referencewidth 316 may be equal to the third reference width 318 and the secondreference width 317 may be less than the first and third referencewidths 316 and 318. In some embodiments, the second reference width 317may be less than 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% the first reference width 316and/or the third reference width 318. In some embodiments, the secondreference width 317 may be about 60% the first reference width 316 andthe third reference width 318.

In various embodiments, the absorbent insert area may be any suitablevalue. For example, in embodiments adapted for use by a child weighing60 to 120 pounds, the absorbent insert area may be about 65,000 mm². Inembodiments adapted for use by a child weighing 38 to 65 pounds, theabsorbent insert area may be about 57,600 mm².

In various embodiments, the absorbent insert may define any suitableshape. For example, the absorbent insert may have a symmetric shapeabout the transverse centerline like that illustrated in FIG. 35 or mayhave an asymmetric shape about the transverse centerline like thatillustrated in FIG. 38. In various embodiments, the absorbent insertsmay have a rectangle shape, dog-bone shape, hourglass shape, T-shape, orthe like.

Referring again to FIG. 37, the absorbent core 236 defines an absorbentcore width 288 and an absorbent core length 289. The absorbent core 236also defines a first end section 290, a second end section 292, and acentral section 294 in the longitudinal direction 48. The centralsection 294 extends between the first end section 290 and the second endsection 292. The first end section 290 defines a first end section width296 and a first end section length 298. The second end section 292defines a second end section width 300 and a second end section length302. The central section 294 defines a central section width 304 and acentral section length 306. The first end section length 298 plus thesecond end section length 302 plus the central section length 306 equalsthe absorbent core length 289. The widths of the various sections aremeasured in the transverse direction 50 and the lengths of the varioussections are measured in the longitudinal direction 48.

In an embodiment adapted for use by a child weighing 60 to 120 pounds,any of the absorbent inserts described herein may have an absorbent corelength of 350 to 450 mm, 375 to 425 mm, 390 to 410 mm, or about 400 mm.In an embodiment adapted for use by a child weighing 38 to 65 pounds,any of the absorbent inserts described herein may have an absorbent corelength of 340 to 380 mm, 350 to 370 mm, or about 360 mm. In variousembodiments, the first end section length may equal the central sectionlength which may equal the second end section length. In otherembodiments, the first end section length may equal the second endsection length and the central section length may be different. Forexample, the first end section length may be about 25% the absorbentcore length, the second end section length may be about 25% theabsorbent core length, and the central section length may be about 50%the absorbent core length. In another example, the first end sectionlength may be about 30% the absorbent core length, the second endsection length may be about 30% the absorbent core length, and thecentral section length may be about 40% the absorbent core length.

In various embodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described hereinmay have an absorbent core having a width that varies at differentpoints along the longitudinal direction. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 37, the absorbent core 236 has a variable width at different pointsalong the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the first endsection 290 and the second end section 292 have a maximum width that isgreater than the maximum width of the central section 294. For example,in various embodiments, the first end section and the second end sectionmay have a maximum width of about 120 to 165 mm, 135 to 150 mm, or about145 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum width is at least 120 mm, atleast 130 mm, at least 140 mm, or at least 145 mm. In these embodiments,the central section may have a maximum width of about 55 to 95 mm, 65 to85 mm or about 75 mm. In some embodiments, the central section may havea maximum width of less than 110, less than 100, less than 95, less than90, less than 85, less than 80, or less than 75 mm.

In various embodiments, the first end section, the second end section,and/or the central section may have a variable width at different pointsalong the longitudinal direction or may have a consistent width atdifferent points along the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments,the first end section and the second end section may have variable widthat different points along the longitudinal direction and the centralsection may have a consistent width at different points along thelongitudinal direction as illustrated in FIG. 37. In some embodiments,the first end section and the second end section may have a width thatvaries from 145 mm at the maximum to 75 mm at the minimum. In theseembodiments, the central section may have a consistent width of about 75mm.

In some embodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described herein mayinclude an absorbent core defining a first reference width 320 measuredat ⅛ the absorbent core length 289, a second reference width 321measured at ½ the absorbent core length 289, and a third reference width322 measured at ⅞ the absorbent core length 289. In some embodiments,the first reference width 320 may be equal to the third reference width322 and the second reference width 321 may be less than the first andthird reference widths 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the secondreference width 321 may be less than 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% thefirst reference width 320 and/or the third reference width 322. In someembodiments, the second reference width 321 may be about 50% the firstreference width 320 and the third reference width 322.

The absorbent core also defines an absorbent core area. In variousembodiments, the absorbent core area may be any suitable value. Forexample, in an embodiment adapted for use by a child weighing 60 to 120pounds, any of the absorbent inserts described herein may have anabsorbent core area of about 42,000 mm². In an embodiment adapted foruse by a child weighing 38 to 65 pounds, any of the absorbent insertsdescribed herein may have an absorbent core area of about 36,300 mm².

In various embodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described hereinmay have a perimeter seal of any suitable width and may be formed by anysuitable method. Referring again to FIGS. 35-36, the perimeter sealwidth 241 is representatively illustrated. In some embodiments, theperimeter seal width may be at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, or atleast 20 mm. The perimeter seal may include adhesive bonding, thermalbonding, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding, and the like, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first sheet may be joinedto the second sheet at the perimeter seal via adhesive bonding and theperimeter seal width may be at least 20 mm. In other embodiments, thefirst sheet may be joined to the second sheet at the perimeter seal viaultrasonic bonding and the perimeter seal width may be at least 10 mm.

In embodiments having an absorbent insert positioning notch and anabsorbent core positioning notch, the perimeter seal continues into theabsorbent core positioning notch. In some embodiments, the perimeterseal has the same width within the positioning notch as it does outsidethe positioning notch as illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 55. In otherembodiments, the perimeter seal has a greater width within thepositioning notch as compared to the width outside the positioning notchas illustrated in FIG. 56. In other embodiments, the perimeter seal hasa lesser width within the positioning notch as compared to the widthoutside the positioning notch (not illustrated).

In some embodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described herein maybe substantially devoid of fluid-impervious materials. In someembodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described herein may notinclude a fluid-impervious barrier layer. In comparison, many absorbentarticles include a fluid-impervious back sheet or baffle which isprovided to prevent fluid from contacting the clothes of the wearer or adelay layer which is provided to slow or divert the fluid. In thepresent invention, the absorbent insert is positioned within thefluid-impervious pouch and thus does not require a fluid-imperviouslayer as part of the absorbent insert. Additionally, this design isbelieved to be beneficial in some embodiments over conventional insertsbecause fluid can be absorbed into the absorbent insert along the entirepad, including the body-facing surface, the garment-facing surface, andthe sides. Additionally, the omission of a fluid-impervious layereliminates the risk of fluid being trapped between the fluid-imperviouspouch and the absorbent insert which might cause leaking during use orleaking when removing the absorbent insert from the pouch.

In some embodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described herein mayhave one or more intake layers. For example, the absorbent inserts ofFIGS. 35, 52, 55, and 56 are illustrated with a first intake material242 positioned between the first sheet and the absorbent core. In someembodiments, the absorbent insert may additionally or alternativelyinclude a second intake material. For example, the absorbent insert 244of FIGS. 38 and 39 is illustrated with a first intake material 242 and asecond intake material 246.

In various embodiments, the first intake material and/or the secondintake material may have any suitable length, width, or shape. Forexample, referring again to FIG. 35, the first intake material 242defines an intake material width 324 and an intake material length 325.In various embodiments, the intake material width may be 50 to 70 mm orabout 62 mm. In these embodiments, the intake material width may be atleast 70%, 80%, or 90% the second reference width 317 of the absorbentcore. In some embodiments, the intake material width may be about 84%the second reference width 317 of the absorbent core.

In some embodiments, the intake material length may be about 325 to 375mm, 340 to 360 mm, or about 355 mm. In these embodiments, the intakematerial length may be at least 70%, 80%, or 90% the absorbent corelength. In some embodiments, the intake material length may be about 88%the absorbent core length.

In various embodiments, the intake materials may be rectangular asillustrated in FIG. 35 or may be any other suitable shape. For example,in various embodiments, the intake materials may be shaped similarly tothe absorbent insert and/or the absorbent core.

In various embodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described hereinmay have absorbent cores having absorbent material and one or more wrapsheets. For example, in some embodiments, the absorbent cores mayinclude a single wrap sheet folded around the longitudinal side edges ofthe absorbent material and overlapping upon itself to form a fullywrapped absorbent core. In other embodiments, the absorbent core mayinclude two wrap sheets. In these embodiments, one of the wrap sheetsmay be primarily positioned on a first-facing surface of the absorbentmaterial. The other wrap sheet may be primarily positioned on thesecond-facing surface of the absorbent material. In these embodiments,the wrap sheet on the second-facing surface may extend to thelongitudinal side edges of the absorbent material, may wrap around thelongitudinal side edges of the absorbent material, or may extend to thefirst-facing surface of the absorbent material. Likewise, the wrap sheeton the first-facing surface may extend to the longitudinal side edges ofthe absorbent material, may wrap around the longitudinal side edges ofthe absorbent material, or may extend to the second-facing surface ofthe absorbent material. The wrap sheets may overlap themselves or mayoverlap each other.

Referring again to FIGS. 36 and 52-57, the respective absorbent coresare representatively illustrated with a first wrap sheet 252 positionedon a first-facing surface 256 of the absorbent material 253. The firstwrap sheet 252 extends between the longitudinal side edges 260 of theabsorbent material 253. The respective absorbent cores also include asecond wrap sheet 254 positioned on a second-facing surface 258 of theabsorbent material 253. The second wrap sheet 254 extends between thelongitudinal side edges 260 of the absorbent material 253.

Referring again to FIG. 39, the absorbent core 248 is representativelyillustrated with a wrap sheet 262 positioned on a first-facing surface256 of the absorbent material 253. The wrap sheet 262 extends around thelongitudinal side edges 260 of the absorbent material 253 and is alsopositioned on a second-facing surface 258 of the absorbent material 253.The wrap sheet 262 may at least partially overlay itself at overlap 264.

In various embodiments, the first sheet and the second sheet may be madeof the same material or may be different. In some embodiments, the firstsheet and the second sheet may have the same basis weight or may bedifferent. The first sheet and/or the second sheet may be fluidpermeable and may be made of substantially hydrophobic fibrous material.For example, the first sheet and/or the second sheet may be a spunbondweb composed of synthetic polymer filaments. In some embodiments, thefirst sheet and/or the second sheet may be a meltblown web or abonded-carded-web composed of synthetic polymer filaments. Suitablesynthetic polymers include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene,polyester, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments,both the first sheet and the second sheet are spunbond polypropylenenonwoven webs having an individual basis weight of about 15 gsm. In someembodiments, the first sheet and/or the second sheet may be treated withsurfactants to adjust the degree of hydrophobicity and wettability. Insome embodiments, the first sheet and/or the second sheet may beembossed, apertured, slit, or otherwise mechanically worked.

The absorbent core typically includes absorbent material composed ofairlaid, cellulosic fibers commonly referred to as wood pulp fluff.Other natural fibers, such as cotton, may also be employed to form theabsorbent core. The absorbent core can have a density ranging from about0.18-0.30 grams/cc. This density range allows the absorbent core to besufficiently flexible to readily conform to the body of the wearer yetmaintain sufficient rigidity for insertion into the pouch. In someembodiments, the absorbent core may have a density of about 0.24grams/cc. The absorbent core may alternatively or additionally include acoform material composed of a mixture of cellulosic fibers and syntheticpolymer fibers. For example, the coform material may be composed of anairlaid blend of cellulosic fibers and meltblown polyolefin fibers, suchas polyethylene and/or polypropylene fibers. In addition, the absorbentcore may have a dry thickness of about 3 to 5 mm or about 4 mm, asmeasured under a restraining pressure of 0.068 psi (0.47 kPa).

The absorbent core may also include an effective amount of an inorganicor organic high-absorbency (e.g., superabsorbent) material to enhancethe absorptive capacity of the absorbent body. For example, theabsorbent core can contain 5-95 weight percent high-absorbency material,and preferably includes about 30-70, 40-60, or about 50 weight percentof the high-absorbency material to provide more efficient performance.In some embodiments, the absorbent core can include equal amounts offluff and superabsorbent. For example, in some embodiments, theabsorbent core may include at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, atleast 17, at least 18, or at least 19 grams of superabsorbent. In someembodiments, the absorbent core may include at least 14, at least 15, atleast 16, at least 17, at least 18, or at least 19 grams of fluff. Insome embodiments, the absorbent core may include about 19 grams ofsuperabsorbent and about 19 grams of fluff. In other embodiments, theabsorbent core may include about 17 grams of superabsorbent and about 17grams of fluff.

Suitable inorganic high-absorbency materials include, for example,absorbent clays and silica gels. Organic high-absorbency materials caninclude natural materials, such as agar, pectin, guar gum and peat moss,as well as synthetic materials, such as synthetic hydrogel polymers.Such hydrogel polymers include, for example, carboxymethylcellulose,alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acids, polyacrylamides, polyvinylethers, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl morpholinone, polymers andcopolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides,polyvinyl pyridine and the like. Other suitable polymers includehydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch,and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Thehydrogel polymers are preferably lightly cross-linked to impart desiredlevels of water insolubility to the material.

In some embodiments, the wrap sheet may be woven or non-woven materialand may be made of any suitable material. For example, the wrap sheetmay be made of polypropylene, cellulosic tissue, and the like, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the wrap sheet may benonwoven material made from spunbond polypropylene and may have a basisweight of about 10 gsm.

The intake layer or layers help to decelerate and diffuse surges orgushes of fluid that can be rapidly introduced into the absorbentinsert. Desirably, the intake layer can rapidly accept and temporarilyhold the fluid prior to releasing the fluid into the absorbent core ofthe absorbent insert. In some embodiments, the intake layer may be athrough air bonded carded web composed of 40% hollow polypropylenefibers (6 denier) and 60% bicomponent fibers (6 denier) (bicomponentsheath: polypropylene core). In various embodiments, the intake layermay have any suitable basis weight. For example, the intake layer mayhave a basis weight of at least 30, at least 50, at least 75, at least100, or at least 125 grams per square meter (gsm). In some embodiments,the intake layer may have a basis weight of about 128 gsm. Otherexamples of suitable intake layers are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,486,166; U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,846; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,973. Theentire disclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated by referenceherein to the extent they are consistent (i.e., not in conflict)herewith.

In some embodiments, the absorbent insert may have a first intake layerand a second intake layer. In some embodiments, the first intake layermay be the same material as the second intake layer or may be different.In some embodiments, the first intake layer may have the same basisweight as the second intake layer or may be different.

In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts of the present invention maybe characterized, at least in part, by specific absorbent properties.For example, in some embodiments, the absorbent inserts may have a totalabsorbent capacity of at least 600 grams, at least 650 grams, at least700 grams, or at least 750 grams of 0.9% saline solution. In someembodiments, the absorbent inserts may have an absorbent capacity ofabout 740 grams or about 827 grams. The total absorbent capacity of theabsorbent inserts may be determined by using the Retention Capacity TestMethod. This test method measures the amount of fluid retained by anabsorbent insert under external pressure. An initial weight of theabsorbent insert is measured and then the absorbent insert is submergedin a 0.9% saline solution for 20 minutes. After the saturation time, 0.5psi pressure is applied across the entire absorbent insert for 5 minutesand the excess saline solution is allowed to drain. After the pressuretime, the weight of the saturated absorbent insert is measured. Thetotal absorbent capacity is calculated as the saturated weight minus theinitial weight.

In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts may have a first intake rateas measured through a first major surface and may have a second intakerate as measured through a second major surface which is opposite thefirst major surface. In some embodiments, the first major surface may beadapted for positioning towards the wearer's body and the second majorsurface may be adapted for positioning towards the fluid-imperviouspouch (i.e., towards the wearer's garments). In some embodiments, thefirst intake rate and/or the second intake rate may be determined by theCradle Intake Test method. This test measures the time required for anabsorbent insert to absorb a specific volume of 0.9% saline solution(insult). The absorbent insert is positioned within a test cradle withthe first major surface (body-facing surface) up and the second majorsurface (garment-facing surface) down toward the cradle to determine thefirst intake rate. The absorbent insert is positioned within a testcradle with the second major surface (garment-facing surface) up and thefirst major surface (body facing surface) down towards the cradle todetermine the second intake rate. The insult location is locatedrelative to the transverse center line of the pant. For productsdesigned for wearers having a weight of 38 to 65 pounds, the insultlocation is 150 mm forward of the transverse centerline for boys and is90 mm forward of the transverse centerline for girls and the insultvolume is 120 ml for both. For products designed for wearers having aweight of 60 to 120 pounds, the insult location is 170 mm forward of thetransverse centerline for boys and 80 mm forward of the transversecenterline for girls and the insult volume is 220 ml for both. The flowrate of the saline solution is 15 ml/sec and the saline has atemperature of 98.6 degrees F. The respective absorbent inserts areinsulted a first time at the aforementioned locations, volumes, and flowrates. The time it takes for the absorbent insert to completely absorbthe first insult is recorded. After 15 minutes, the respective absorbentinserts are insulted a second time at the aforementioned locations,volumes, and flow rates. The time it takes for the absorbent insert tocompletely absorb the second insult is recorded.

In some embodiments, the first intake rate may be less than 30 secondsfor the first insult and less than 100 seconds for the second insult. Insome embodiments, the second intake rate may be less than 30 seconds forthe first insult and less than 100 seconds for the second insult. Insome embodiments, the ratio of the first intake rate to the secondintake rate for the first insult may be at least 1:3, at least 1:2, atleast 1:1.5, or about 1:1.

In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts may be characterized by totalabsorbent capacity as a ratio of crotch width. In some embodiments, theproducts designed for wearers having a weight of 60 to 120 pounds mayhave an absorbent capacity of about 827 grams and a crotch width ofabout 74 mm. In other embodiments, the products designed for wearershaving a weight of 38 to 65 pounds may have an absorbent capacity ofabout 740 grams and a crotch width of about 74 mm. Thus, in someembodiments, the ratio of total absorbent capacity to crotch width maybe at least 9 g/mm, at least 10 g/mm, or at least 11 g/mm.

The absorbent inserts of the present invention may be provided in anysuitable manner. For example, any of the absorbent inserts describedherein may be folded, stacked, wrapped, compressed, or the like, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts may beindividually wrapped in a wrapper. In some embodiments, the absorbentinserts may be folded one or more times before being placed in awrapper. In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts may be folded twicebefore being placed in the wrapper.

In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts of the present inventioninclude a first sheet, a second sheet, an intake layer, and an absorbentcore. In these embodiments, the absorbent core may be positioned betweenthe first sheet and the second sheet. Additionally, the intake layer maybe positioned between the first sheet and the absorbent core. In thisconfiguration, the first sheet is designated the body side and thesecond sheet is designated as the garment side of the absorbent insert.

In various embodiments, any of the absorbent inserts described hereinmay be folded a first time such that a first portion of the body side isin facing relation with a second portion of the body side. In theseembodiments, the absorbent insert may be folded a second time such thata third portion of the body side is in facing relation with a firstportion of the garment side. In other embodiments, the absorbent insertmay be folded a first time such that a first portion of the garment sideis in facing relation with a second portion of the garment side. Inthese embodiments, the absorbent insert may be folded a second time suchthat a third portion of the garment side is in facing relation with afirst portion of the body side.

In some embodiments, the first fold may be positioned such that theabsorbent insert is effectively folded into equal halves. In someembodiments, the first fold and the second fold may be positioned suchthat the absorbent insert is effectively folded into approximately equalthirds.

In various embodiments, the folded absorbent inserts may be individuallypackaged in any suitable wrapper material. Conventionally, the wrapperconsists of one or more layers of a thin sheet or film of thermoplasticmaterial, such as polyethylene, which is folded around the absorbentarticle and then sealed by the use of heat and/or pressure, ultrasonics,or an adhesive to form a package or pouch. In various embodiments, thewrapper may include films made from poly(vinyl alcohol), polyvinylacetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyurethane, ethylene methyl acrylate,and ethylene methyl acrylic acid to make them breathable. In someembodiments, the wrapper material may also be a laminate of differentmaterials, such as a film/nonwoven laminate. The package may have asealed side or edge that is designed to be opened by breaking or tearingthe material at or adjacent the seal in order to subsequently remove theabsorbent insert. With some package designs, a flap is provided thatfolds over the pouch opening and may attach to the front of the pouchwith adhesive applied between the pouch and flap, or with a piece ofadhesive tape. The sides of the flap may be sealed with the sides of thepouch and may be separated prior to removing the absorbent article.

The containment pants and the absorbent inserts of the present inventionare adapted to work together as a containment system. In variousembodiments, the containment system includes one or more containmentpants like those described herein and one or more absorbent inserts likethose described herein. Suitable containment systems are also describedin patent application U.S. Ser. No. 13/548,012, entitled “ContainmentSystem”, filed on Jul. 12, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

In use and prior to donning, the absorbent inserts are positioned withinthe pouch which is suspended within the containment pant. After theabsorbent insert is positioned, the containment system is pulled intoplace like conventional underwear. The containment pant is adapted tohold the absorbent insert in position which, in turn, is adapted toaccept one or more urine insults from the wearer. The absorbent insertis adapted to rapidly intake and absorb the urine. The pouch isfluid-impervious and is adapted to hold any urine that may not beimmediately absorbed by the absorbent insert. In some embodiments, theabsorbent insert is fluid permeable on the garment-facing surface and/oron the side edges as well as the body-side surface. As such, any urineretained by the fluid-impervious pouch may be drawn into the absorbentinsert via the garment-facing surface and/or the side edges. The usedabsorbent insert can be removed from the fluid-impervious pouch and thecontainment pant may be laundered prior to reuse with a new absorbentinsert.

In various embodiments, the absorbent inserts of the present inventionmay be secured in the pouches of the containment pants by any suitablemeans. For example, the absorbent inserts may be secured in the pouchesvia buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, pressure sensitiveadhesive, clasps, and the like, and combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the absorbent inserts may be additionally or alternativelyheld in place by the structure of the containment flaps of thefluid-impervious pouch. For example, the containment flaps may includeend pockets that help secure a portion of the absorbent insert withinthe pouches. In some embodiments, the containment flaps may include oneor more positioning keys that are adapted to align and engage with oneor more positioning notches in a coordinated absorbent insert. In someembodiments, the containment flaps may include flap elastic thatprovides retractive forces that assist in securing the absorbent insertwithin the pouch. In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts are held inplace only by the structure of the containment flaps and/or end pockets.In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts are held in place only by thestructure of the containment flaps and the containment flap elastic andare devoid of fasteners. In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts aredevoid of containment flaps. In these embodiments, the containment ofthe fluid is managed by the containment flaps of the pouch.

In various embodiments, the containment system may include a containmentpant having a pouch with a pouch floor area, a length, width, and/orshape adapted to accommodate a specific absorbent insert having acomplementary absorbent insert and/or absorbent core area, length,width, and/or shape. This complementary area, length, width, and/orshape is believed to improve the absorbent insert placement on the body,to help contain the absorbent insert within the pouch, and to provide asmooth discrete fit and appearance for discretion.

In some embodiments, a containment pant may have a pouch with a pouchfloor having a pouch floor length. Likewise, the absorbent insert mayhave an absorbent insert length and/or an absorbent core length that isless than or equal to the pouch floor length. In some embodiments, theabsorbent insert length and/or an absorbent core length may be at least70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% the pouch floor length.In one embodiment, the absorbent core length may be 91% of the pouchfloor length. In these embodiments, the absorbent insert length and/oran absorbent core length may be 100% or less of the pouch floor length.Having an absorbent insert length and/or an absorbent core length topouch floor length in these ranges is believed to keep the absorbentinsert secure within the pouch without excessive bunching or shiftingthat may adversely affect performance and/or comfort. An absorbentinsert shorter than this range would be more likely to shift or breachthe pouch gasket which would likely result in leakage. An absorbentinsert longer than this range would be more likely to buckle and bunchwithin the pouch and may result in a poor user experience due todiscomfort and/or loss of discretion.

In some embodiments, a containment pant may have a pouch with a pouchfloor having a pouch floor maximum width and a pouch floor minimum widthwherein the maximum width and the minimum width are different. Likewise,the absorbent insert may have an absorbent insert and/or absorbent coremaximum width and an absorbent insert and/or absorbent core minimumwidth wherein the maximum width and the minimum width are different. Insome embodiments, the absorbent insert and/or the absorbent core maximumwidth is at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% the pouch floormaximum width. In one embodiment, the absorbent core maximum width is85% of the pouch floor maximum width. In these embodiments, theabsorbent insert and/or absorbent core maximum width may be 100% or lessof the pouch floor maximum width. In some embodiments, the absorbentinsert and/or the absorbent core minimum width is at least 80%, at least90%, or at least 95% the pouch floor minimum width. In one embodiment,the absorbent core minimum width may be 91% of the pouch floor minimumwidth. In these embodiments, the absorbent insert and/or the absorbentcore minimum width may be 100% or less of the pouch floor minimum width.

In some embodiments, a containment pant may have a pouch with a pouchfloor having a pouch floor maximum width in a front portion and/or aback portion and a pouch floor minimum width at a central portionwherein the maximum width and the minimum width are different. Likewise,the absorbent insert and/or absorbent core may have an absorbent insertand/or absorbent core maximum width in a front portion and/or a backportion and an absorbent insert and/or absorbent core minimum width at acentral portion wherein the maximum width and the minimum width aredifferent. In some embodiments, the minimum width of the pouch floor maybe less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, or about 62% the maximumwidth of the pouch floor. Similarly, the minimum width of the absorbentinsert and/or absorbent core may be less than 80%, less than 70%, lessthan 60%, or about 62% the maximum width of the absorbent insert and/orabsorbent core.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for providing acontainment system. The method includes providing a permanently closedcontainment pant having a pouch like those disclosed herein. The pouchdefines a pouch floor having a longitudinal direction, a first endsection, a second end section, and a central section extending betweenthe first end section and the second end section. The first end section,the second end section, and the central section define equal lengths inthe longitudinal direction and together define a pouch floor length. Thefirst end section defines a maximum width of at least 130 mm, at least140 mm, at least 150 mm, or at least 165 mm, the central section definesa maximum width of less than 110 mm, less than 100 mm, less than 95 mm,and the second end section defines a maximum width of at least 130 mm,at least 140 mm, at least 150 mm, or at least 165 mm. The permanentlyclosed containment pant is substantially devoid of an integratedabsorbent core. The method further includes providing a discreteabsorbent insert like those disclosed herein. The discrete absorbentinsert includes an absorbent core that defines a longitudinal direction,a first end section, a second end section, and a central section. Thecentral section is positioned between the first end section and thesecond end section. The first end section, the second end section, and acentral section define equal lengths in the longitudinal direction. Thefirst end section defines a maximum width of at least 115 mm, at least125 mm, or at least 135 mm, the central section defines a maximum widthof less than 100 mm, less than 90 mm, or less than 85 mm, and the secondend section defines a maximum width of at least 115 mm, at least 125 mm,or at least 135 mm. The discrete absorbent insert is devoid of a fluidimpervious layer.

In some embodiments, a containment pant may have a pouch with a pouchfloor having a pouch floor area. Likewise, the absorbent insert may havean absorbent insert area and/or absorbent core area that is less than orequal to the pouch floor area. In some embodiments, the absorbent insertarea and/or absorbent core area may be at least 80%, at least 90%, or atleast 95% the pouch floor area. In some embodiments, the absorbent corearea is 76% of the pouch floor area. In these embodiments, the absorbentinsert area and/or absorbent core area may be 100% or less of the pouchfloor area. For example, in one embodiment, the absorbent core area maybe about 42,218 mm² which is 76% of the pouch floor area of about 55,270mm². In another embodiment, the absorbent core area may be about 36,296mm² which is 76% of the pouch floor area of about 47,778 mm².

In some embodiments, a containment pant may have a pouch with a pouchfloor having a pouch floor shape and the absorbent insert and/orabsorbent core may have an absorbent insert shape and/or absorbent coreshape that is substantially the same as the pouch floor shape. In oneembodiment, the pouch floor may have a curvilinear perimeter in theshape of a bow-tie and the absorbent insert and/or absorbent core mayhave a curvilinear perimeter in the shape of a bow-tie of similar lengthand/or width. For example, the pouch floor may have a bow-tie shape likethat illustrated in FIG. 28 and the absorbent core may have a bow-tieshape like that illustrated in FIG. 37. In another embodiment, the pouchfloor may have a curvilinear perimeter in the shape of a torch and theabsorbent insert and/or absorbent core may have a curvilinear perimeterin the shape of a torch of similar length and/or width. For example, thepouch floor may have a torch shape like that illustrated in FIG. 11 andthe absorbent core may have a torch shape like that illustrated in FIG.38.

In some embodiments, a containment pant may have a pouch with apositioning key having a positioning key width and a positioning keydepth. Likewise, an absorbent insert may have an absorbent insert and/oran absorbent core positioning notch having a width and depth adapted toengage and partially surround a coordinated positioning key. Forexample, referring now to FIG. 58, an exemplary containment system 568is representatively illustrated. The containment system 568 includes acontainment pant 570 and an absorbent insert 572. The containment pant570 also includes a pouch 574 having a positioning key 576. Theabsorbent insert 572 includes a positioning notch 578 that is adapted toengage and partially surround the coordinated positioning key 576. Invarious embodiments, the absorbent core positioning notch depth may be75 to 125%, 90 to 115%, or about 110% of the pocket depth. This system568 is believed to promote proper placement of the absorbent insert 572within the pouch 574 of the containment pant 570 prior to donning.Additionally, it is believed that the interaction of the positioningnotch 578 and the positioning key 576 helps maintain the relativepositioning of the absorbent insert in the pouch during wear.

In some embodiments, the containment system of the present inventionprovides a first containment pant, a second containment pant, and anabsorbent insert. In these embodiments, the first containment pant has afirst configuration and the second containment pant has a secondconfiguration that is different than the first configuration. Forexample, in some embodiments, the first containment pant may have achassis designed for use by males like that illustrated in FIG. 1 whilethe second containment pant may have a chassis designed for use byfemales like that illustrated in FIG. 6. The differences between thefirst containment pant and the second containment pant may includechassis shape, chassis design, sling construction, pouch construction,pouch location, and the like, and combinations thereof. For example, inthe first containment pant, the pouch may be located more towards thefront of the containment pant for better alignment with male anatomy. Incontrast, in the second containment pant, the pouch may be morecentrally located for better alignment with female anatomy.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providinga containment system that includes providing a first permanently closedcontainment pant like those disclosed herein and a second permanentlyclosed containment pant like those disclosed herein. The firstcontainment pant includes a first fluid-impervious pouch that defines afirst pouch construction and a first pouch floor. The first pouch floorhaving a first end section, a second end section and a central sectionextending between the first end section and the second end section. Thefirst end section of the first containment pant defines a maximum widthof at least 135 mm, at least 145 mm, at least 155 mm, or at least 165mm, the central section of the first containment pant defines a minimumwidth of less than 110 mm, less than 100 mm, or less than 95 mm, and thesecond end section of the first containment pant defines a maximum widthof at least 135 mm, at least 145 mm, at least 155 mm, or at least 165mm. Similarly, the second containment pant includes a secondfluid-impervious pouch that defines a second pouch construction and asecond pouch floor. The second pouch floor having a first end section, asecond end section and a central section extending between the first endsection and the second end section. The first end section of the secondcontainment pant defines a maximum width of at least 135 mm, at least145 mm, at least 155 mm, or at least 165 mm, the central section of thesecond containment pant defines a minimum width of less than 110 mm,less than 100 mm, or less than 95 mm, and the second end section of thesecond containment pant defines a maximum width of at least 135 mm, atleast 145 mm, at least 155 mm, or at least 165 mm. In some embodiments,the first pouch floor defines a first pouch floor length and the secondpouch floor defines a second pouch floor length that is 95% to 105% thefirst pouch floor length. Thus, the first pouch floor has the same orsimilar dimensions at the same or similar positions as does the secondpouch floor. However, while the first pouch construction may be anysuitable construction, including those disclosed herein, and the secondpouch construction may be any suitable construction, including thosedisclosed herein, the first pouch construction may be different than thesecond pouch construction. For example, in some embodiments the firstpouch construction may be like that illustrated in FIGS. 28-31 and thesecond pouch construction may be like that illustrated in FIGS. 17-22.

In some embodiments, the first permanently closed containment pantincludes a first containment sling having a first transition that isjoined between the first fluid-impervious pouch and the front waistregion. The first transition defines a length in a longitudinaldirection. The first permanently closed containment pant includes asecond transition that is joined between the first fluid-imperviouspouch and the back waist region. The second transition defines a lengthin the longitudinal direction. In these embodiments, the secondpermanently closed containment pant includes a second containment slinghaving a first transition that is joined between the secondfluid-impervious pouch and the front waist region. The first transitiondefines a length in a longitudinal direction. The second permanentlyclosed containment pant includes a second transition that is joinedbetween the second fluid-impervious pouch and the back waist region. Insome embodiments, the length of the first transition of the first slingis greater than the length of the first transition of the second sling.In some embodiments, the length of the second transition of the firstsling is less than the length of the second transition of the secondsling.

However, despite the differences between the first containment pant andthe second containment pant, both may be constructed with pouches havingpouch floors having similar length, width, and/or shape. As such, asingle absorbent insert may be provided for use with both the firstcontainment pant and the second containment pant. For example, in someembodiments, the present invention provides a method for providing acontainment system. The method includes providing a first permanentlyclosed containment pant like those described herein and providing asecond permanently closed containment pant like those described herein.The method also includes providing a discrete absorbent insert that issized and shaped to work in conjunction with both the first containmentpant and the second containment pant. In some embodiments, the firstcontainment pant may include a first pouch and the second containmentpant may include a second pouch having a similar size and shape to thefirst pouch. However, despite the similarities, the first containmentpant and the second containment pant may have different chassisconstruction, pouch construction, sling construction, pouch placement,or other differences, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the containment system of the present inventionincludes one or more absorbent inserts having a designated body side anda designated garment side. In other words, in some embodiments, theabsorbent inserts are designed to be oriented with a particular sidetowards the user to maximize the performance of the absorbent insert.For example, in some embodiments, the absorbent insert may have a singleintake layer located on one side of the absorbent core. In theseembodiments, it is desirable for the user to orient the absorbent insertwithin the pouch such that the intake layer faces the user. In thisorientation, the absorbent insert is positioned to intake fluid rapidlythrough the intake layer and retain the fluid in the absorbent core.

To assist users in properly orienting the absorbent insert in the pouch,various cues may be provided. In some embodiments, the absorbent insertmay include a color on one or more of the components. In someembodiments, the absorbent insert may include an intake layer that has acolor that is distinguishable from the other components of the absorbentinsert. For example, in some embodiments, the intake layer may have ablue color and the surrounding components may have a white color. Inthese embodiments, the user may be directed to identify the blue intakelayer and position it facing the body. In this way, the user has asimple visual cue to quickly, repeatably, and properly orient theabsorbent insert within the pouch.

In some embodiments, the absorbent inserts may be provided folded inindividual wrappers. In these embodiments, the absorbent inserts may befolded to define a direction of curvature. The absorbent inserts may bebi-folded, tri-folded, or the like. In these embodiments, the absorbentinserts may be folded such that the resulting curvature is directed tothe side of the absorbent insert that is desirably oriented towards thewearer. For example, the absorbent insert may have a single intake layerlocated on one side of the absorbent core. The absorbent insert may befolded such that the absorbent insert is cupped towards the side havingthe intake layer. In use, this cupped formation naturally fits with thecupped formation of the pouches within the containment pants. As such,the user is cued to position the absorbent insert within the pouch withthe intake layer oriented towards the body of the wearer.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilledin the art, upon attaining understanding of the foregoing will readilyappreciate alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to theseembodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beassessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.Additionally, all combinations and/or sub-combinations of the disclosedembodiments, ranges, examples, and alternatives are also contemplated.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A discrete absorbent insert comprising, afirst sheet, a second sheet in facing relation with the first sheet, anabsorbent core positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet,wherein the absorbent core defines a core perimeter which includes afirst absorbent core positioning notch, the first sheet and the secondsheet extend beyond the core perimeter and are joined together to form aperimeter seal, the perimeter seal defines an absorbent insert perimeterwhich includes a first absorbent insert positioning notch, wherein theperimeter seal has a greater width within the absorbent core positioningnotch as compared to the remainder of the absorbent core perimeter, thefirst absorbent core positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm, thefirst absorbent insert positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm, andthe first absorbent insert positioning notch is aligned with the firstabsorbent core positioning notch.
 2. The discrete absorbent insert ofclaim 1 wherein the first absorbent insert positioning notch depth is 75to 100% the first absorbent core positioning notch depth.
 3. Thediscrete absorbent insert of claim 1 wherein the first absorbent corepositioning notch has a mid-point width of 10 to 25 mm and the firstabsorbent insert positioning notch has a mid-point width of 1 to 15 mm.4. The discrete absorbent insert of claim 1 wherein the first sheet andthe second sheet extend a uniform amount beyond the entire coreperimeter and the perimeter seal has a uniform width around the entireabsorbent core perimeter.
 5. The discrete absorbent insert of claim 1wherein the absorbent core further comprises, at least 40%superabsorbent, an intake layer positioned between the first sheet andthe absorbent core and having a basis weight of at least 85 gsm, and anabsorbent capacity of at least 600 g.
 6. The discrete absorbent insertof claim 1 wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are fluidpermeable.
 7. The discrete absorbent insert of claim 1 wherein thediscrete absorbent insert is devoid of a fluid-impervious layer.
 8. Thediscrete absorbent insert of claim 1 wherein the absorbent core alsodefines a longitudinal direction, a first end section, a second endsection, and a central section, wherein the central section ispositioned between the first end section and the second end section andwherein the first end section defines a maximum width of at least 135mm, the central section defines a maximum width of less than 90 mm, andthe second end section defines a maximum width of at least 135 mm. 9.The discrete absorbent insert of claim 8 wherein the absorbent core alsodefines an absorbent core length as measured in the longitudinaldirection and wherein the absorbent core length is 340 to 450 mm. 10.The discrete absorbent insert of claim 9 wherein the first absorbentcore positioning notch is located in the first end section and the coreperimeter includes a second absorbent core positioning notch located inthe second end section, wherein, the second absorbent core positioningnotch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm, the second absorbent insertpositioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm, and the second absorbentinsert positioning notch is aligned with the second absorbent corepositioning notch.
 11. A discrete absorbent insert comprising, a firstsheet, a second sheet in facing relation with the first sheet, anabsorbent core positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet,wherein the absorbent core defines a core perimeter which includes afirst absorbent core positioning notch, at least 40% superabsorbent, andan absorbent capacity of at least 600 g, an intake layer positionedbetween the first sheet and the absorbent core and having a basis weightof at least 85 gsm, the first sheet and the second sheet extend beyondthe core perimeter and are joined together to form a perimeter seal, theperimeter seal defines an absorbent insert perimeter which includes afirst absorbent insert positioning notch, wherein, the first absorbentcore positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm, the first absorbentinsert positioning notch has a depth that is 75 to 100% the firstabsorbent core positioning notch depth, and the first absorbent insertpositioning notch is aligned with the first absorbent core positioningnotch, and wherein the absorbent core also defines a longitudinaldirection, a first end section, a second end section, and a centralsection, wherein the central section is positioned between the first endsection and the second end section and wherein the first end sectiondefines a maximum width of at least 135 mm, the central section definesa maximum width of less than 90 mm, and the second end section defines amaximum width of at least 135 mm.
 12. The discrete absorbent insert ofclaim 11 wherein the first absorbent core positioning notch is locatedin the first end section and the core perimeter includes a secondabsorbent core positioning notch located in the second end section,wherein the first absorbent insert positioning notch is located in thefirst end section and the absorbent insert perimeter includes a secondabsorbent insert positioning notch located in the second end section,the second absorbent core positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60 mm,the second absorbent insert positioning notch has a depth of 30 to 60mm, and the second absorbent insert positioning notch is aligned withthe second absorbent core positioning notch.
 13. The discrete absorbentinsert of claim 11 wherein the first absorbent insert positioning notchis a closed notch and comprises a line of weakness.
 14. The discreteabsorbent insert of claim 13 wherein the first absorbent corepositioning notch has a midpoint width of 10 to 25 mm and is alignedwith the first absorbent insert positioning notch.
 15. The discreteabsorbent insert of claim 12 wherein the first sheet and the secondsheet extend a uniform amount beyond the entire core perimeter and theperimeter seal has a uniform width around the entire absorbent coreperimeter.
 16. The discrete absorbent insert of claim 12 wherein thefirst absorbent core positioning notch and the second absorbent corepositioning notch have a midpoint width of 10 to 25 mm and are centeredin a transverse direction.
 17. A discrete absorbent insert comprising, afluid permeable first sheet, a fluid permeable second sheet in facingrelation with the first sheet, an absorbent core positioned between thefirst sheet and the second sheet, wherein the absorbent core defines alongitudinal direction, a first end section, a second end section, and acentral section, wherein the central section is positioned between thefirst end section and the second end section, the absorbent core alsodefines a core perimeter which includes a first absorbent corepositioning notch located in the first end section, a second absorbentcore positioning notch located in the second end section, at least 40%superabsorbent, and an absorbent capacity of at least 600 g, an intakelayer positioned between the first sheet and the absorbent core andhaving a basis weight of at least 85 gsm, the first sheet and the secondsheet extend beyond the core perimeter and are joined together to form aperimeter seal, the perimeter seal defines an absorbent insert perimeterwhich includes a first absorbent insert positioning notch and a secondabsorbent insert positioning notch, wherein, the first absorbent corepositioning notch and the second absorbent core positioning notch have adepth of 30 to 60 mm and a mid-point width of 10 to 25 mm, the firstabsorbent insert positioning notch and the second absorbent insertpositioning notch have a depth that is 75 to 100% the first absorbentcore positioning notch depth and the second absorbent core positioningnotch depth respectively, the first absorbent insert positioning notchis aligned with the first absorbent core positioning notch, the secondabsorbent insert positioning notch is aligned with the second absorbentcore positioning notch, and the discrete absorbent insert is devoid of afluid-impervious layer.
 18. The discrete absorbent insert of claim 17wherein the first end section defines a maximum width of at least 135mm, the central section defines a maximum width of less than 90 mm, thesecond end section defines a maximum width of at least 135 mm, and theabsorbent core also defines an absorbent core length of 340 to 450 mm asmeasured in the longitudinal direction.
 19. The discrete absorbentinsert of claim 17 wherein the first sheet and the second sheet extend auniform amount beyond the entire core perimeter and the perimeter sealhas a uniform width around the entire absorbent core perimeter.